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MURFREESBORO – An intensive search on the ground and in the air is currently underway near here for an autistic 13-year-old who walked away this afternoon (Wednesday) from his home on Benthall Bridge Road.

Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes told the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald that the child, a white male, left his residence around 2:30 p.m. following an apparent disagreement with a family member.

He was last seen wearing light-colored blue jeans, a hooded sweatshirt, and black shoes. He was reportedly carrying a machete.

The HCSO has set up a Command Post on Benthall Bridge Road. The Sheriff’s Office, Murfreesboro and Ahoskie Police, Murfreesboro Fire Department, Hertford County Emergency Management, Hertford County Rescue, and Gates County Search and Rescue are actively involved in the search, as are bloodhounds from the North Carolina Department of Corrections. A helicopter from the NC Highway Patrol is also being used.