Desperate Search for Missing Nonverbal Autistic Boy, 7, Sparks Urgency in Upstate New York

Police in Upstate New York are in a race against time to find Harbe Nagi, a 7-year-old nonverbal autistic boy who vanished from a graduation party on Sunday afternoon.

Nagi was last spotted at approximately 4:10 p.m. during a celebration in Menands, just north of Albany. He is believed to have wandered off from the gathering, according to local law enforcement.

The child does not reside in the area and primarily communicates in Arabic. As of Monday night, he remains unaccounted for.

Harbe is the nephew of Hamtramck, Michigan, Mayor Adam Alharbi, who has traveled to New York to support his family during this crisis. He has urged the public to keep the boy in their thoughts.

Authorities describe Nagi as standing 3 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 48 pounds. He has a tendency to wander and is particularly drawn to water, as noted by the police.

His interests include outdoor activities, climbing, and music, with a particular fondness for the song “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star.”

In an effort to attract him back, police have set up ice cream trucks in the vicinity of his last known location, hoping the familiar sounds will draw him out.

Mayor Alharbi, who is also Nagi’s uncle, announced that the family is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the boy’s safe return.

“The child was trying to escape the house,” Alharbi stated from an airport in Baltimore while en route to join the search efforts.

He revealed that Nagi has attempted to leave the house multiple times before, but his mother has always managed to bring him back.

Alharbi confirmed that Nagi was with his mother at the party when he disappeared.

“As soon as I found out, I booked a flight. I haven’t slept yet. I’m in Baltimore waiting on the next flight to Albany,” he said.

Nagi’s family relocated to Albany from New York City a few years ago. They originally hail from Yemen, but Alharbi mentioned that Nagi was born in the United States.

Community members from nearby towns have joined the search effort, demonstrating solidarity in this urgent situation.

Neighbor Heidi Iyok recounted her own search efforts: “I opened my garage, went all around my house, you never know, looked everywhere in my backyard. And then after that I went out with the search.”

At the time of his disappearance, Nagi was wearing a light-colored shirt and dark pants, and he was barefoot. He has brown eyes and brown hair.

Authorities have reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm regarding the heavy police presence in the area. They are asking residents to check their private surveillance cameras and look for any signs of Nagi in easily accessible locations.

While police do not suspect foul play in Nagi’s disappearance, they are exploring all avenues with assistance from New York State Police, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI’s Albany Office.

If anyone encounters Nagi, they are advised to call 911 and speak softly to avoid overwhelming him.