Missing Hernando teen sparks statewide Spectrum Alert

SPRING HILL, Fla. - Deputies are asking for the public's help after a 14-year-old boy vanished from a Hernando County neighborhood.

Springhill missing child alert

What we know:

A Florida Missing Child - Spectrum Alert has been issued for Lucas Maresca. He was last seen in the area of 10500 Blythville Road in Springhill  around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. 

Deputies describe Maresca as a white teen who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 126 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. When he disappeared, he was wearing a white polo shirt, gray shorts with a black stripe on them, and SpongeBob slippers.

Investigators said Lucas pried open the lock on his bedroom window and exited through that window. Lucas, who left on foot, has non-verbal autism. Authorities said he tends to run if approached. Residents in the area are asked to check their porches and sheds.

Maresca's family notified law enforcement about the missing juvenile at 1:45 a.m. on Monday, at which time the investigation and search began. Deputies said inclement weather is hindering the aerial search. Bloodhounds from the Pasco Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit are also on scene.

Lucas Maresca search details

What we don't know:

Officials have not confirmed the direction he may have traveled after leaving Blythville Road.

Hernando County sheriff tips

What you can do:

Anyone who knows where Maresca is or spots him is asked to call 911 or the Hernando County Sheriff's Office directly at 352-754-6830. 

The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, which explained how we got it through an official agency alert.