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6-Year-Old Riley Mast Missing in Madison Heights

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. r-old-riley-mast-missing-in-madison-heights.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 4:21 GMT by WXYZ
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI - February 18, 2026 - A massive search is currently underway in Madison Heights, Michigan, for Riley Mast, a 6-year-old boy with autism who went missing earlier this morning. The situation is critical, with local authorities mobilizing all available resources to ensure Riley's safe return.

Riley was reported missing around 6:30 a.m. today from the vicinity of Six Mile and Groesbeck roads. The Madison Heights Police Department is leading the search, which is quickly expanding as hours pass. Police Chief James Schlicht addressed the public, stating, "We are using every resource available to locate Riley and bring him home safely." This includes uniformed officers, detectives, K-9 units, and aerial support, according to a press briefing held just moments ago.

Riley is described as a white male, 4 feet tall and weighing approximately 50 pounds. He has a distinctive appearance with a recently shaved head. Crucially, Riley is nonverbal, making communication with potential rescuers significantly more challenging. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, and grey shoes. The lack of verbal communication skills means Riley may not be able to call for help or provide information about his whereabouts.

This case highlights the particular vulnerabilities faced by individuals with autism who go missing. Children with autism are often drawn to water sources or secluded spaces, and may not understand the dangers of traffic or approaching strangers. Their tendency to wander, coupled with communication difficulties, significantly increases the risk and urgency of a swift recovery. National statistics show that children with autism spectrum disorder are at a higher risk of wandering and becoming lost compared to neurotypical children, and this risk doesn't diminish with age.

The Madison Heights Police Department is urging all residents in the surrounding areas to actively participate in the search. They are requesting that everyone thoroughly check their yards, sheds, garages, and any other outbuildings. "Even a quick glance could be the key to finding Riley," Chief Schlicht emphasized. Residents are also asked to review any home security camera footage from the early morning hours, hoping to capture any sign of the missing child. A dedicated tip line has been established at (248) 399-3137 for anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem.

Local schools have been notified and are on heightened alert. Buses are being instructed to scan the sides of roads for any sign of a child matching Riley's description. The community has rallied around the search, with volunteers organizing search parties and distributing flyers with Riley's photo and description. Social media is abuzz with the hashtag #FindRileyMast, as residents share information and offer support.

The Autism Society of Michigan has offered its expertise to the Madison Heights Police Department, providing guidance on search strategies tailored to the needs of individuals with autism. They emphasize the importance of understanding Riley's potential sensory sensitivities and creating a calm and safe environment if he is located.

This is a developing story, and WXYZ will continue to provide updates as they become available. We will be live-streaming from the command post throughout the day, providing the latest information and interviews with authorities and volunteers. The next press briefing is scheduled for 1:00 PM EST. Anyone with information regarding Riley Mast's disappearance is urged to contact the Madison Heights Police Department immediately. Every minute counts in bringing Riley home safely.