Authorities in Clayton County, Georgia, are continuing an urgent search for 6-year-old Ramon “RJ” Jett, a nonverbal autistic child who disappeared from Riverdale on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Police have deployed multiple specialized search teams as concern grows for the young boy’s safety.
Investigators are asking residents throughout the area to remain alert, check their properties carefully, and immediately report any information that could help locate RJ. Because of his age and medical needs, officials consider him especially vulnerable.
When Did RJ Jett Go Missing?
According to the Clayton County Police Department, RJ disappeared sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
He was staying at his older sister’s apartment in the Sutter Lake Apartments complex on the 8100 block of Webb Road in Riverdale while his mother was at work.
Family members told investigators they had fallen asleep for a short time. When they woke up, they discovered the apartment door standing open and RJ missing.
The family immediately began searching before contacting police, prompting a large-scale response from law enforcement.
Why Police Consider the Case Critical
Officials have classified RJ as a vulnerable missing child.
He is nonverbal, has autism, and also has ADHD, meaning he may not be able to communicate with strangers, explain where he lives, or ask for help if he becomes lost.
Because of these circumstances, search teams have treated every hour as critical.
Police continue urging the public not to assume someone else has already reported a possible sighting. Every tip could prove valuable.
Search Teams Expand Operations
The Clayton County Police Department has assembled an extensive search operation involving multiple specialized units.
Resources being used include:
- K-9 tracking teams
- Drone units providing aerial searches
- Dive teams searching nearby bodies of water
- Officers conducting ground searches throughout the neighborhood
Authorities have continued expanding search efforts into surrounding wooded areas, apartment complexes, and locations near the last known area where RJ may have been seen.
Reported Sighting Near a Pond
Investigators say one witness reported seeing a young boy matching RJ’s description walking toward a nearby pond while holding a popsicle.
Search dogs later detected a scent leading in the same direction, prompting dive teams to search the nearby lake and surrounding shoreline.
Police have not confirmed that the reported sighting was definitely RJ, but investigators continue treating it as an important lead while exploring every possibility.
Description of RJ Jett
Police have released the following description to help the public identify the missing child.
RJ is:
- Six years old
- Approximately 3 feet 5 inches tall
- About 40 pounds
- Black hair
- Brown eyes
When he disappeared, he was wearing:
- A light green shirt
- Camouflage shorts
- White socks
Anyone who believes they have seen a child matching this description should contact emergency services immediately rather than attempting to transport him elsewhere.
Family Appeals for Help
RJ’s mother, Ashleigh Harris, has made an emotional public appeal asking the community to remain vigilant.
She explained that RJ may appear shy or hesitant around unfamiliar people. If someone believes they have located him, she suggests calmly calling him by his nickname, “RJ,” which may help him feel more comfortable while authorities are contacted.
Family members continue hoping that someone who saw him on Sunday or has surveillance footage from the area will come forward.
Community Asked to Check Properties
Investigators are asking residents throughout Riverdale to carefully inspect areas where a young child might seek shelter.
Police recommend checking:
- Front and back yards
- Porches
- Garages
- Storage sheds
- Outbuildings
- Nearby wooded areas
- Areas around fences and playgrounds
Even seemingly unlikely locations could be important during the search for a missing child.
How the Public Can Help
Authorities stress that the most important way to assist is by reporting credible information immediately.
Anyone who has seen RJ, noticed suspicious activity, or has home security or dash camera footage from the Webb Road area around the time he disappeared should contact the Clayton County Police Department or call 911 without delay.
Even small details that seem insignificant could help investigators establish RJ’s movements or identify new search areas.
Search Continues
As of the latest official updates, Ramon “RJ” Jett has not been found, and the search remains active.
Police continue deploying specialized resources while family members, volunteers, and the Riverdale community hope for his safe return.
Authorities emphasize that accurate information from the public remains one of the most valuable tools in locating the missing six-year-old.
Anyone with information is urged to contact emergency services immediately. Even one timely tip could make a critical difference in bringing RJ home safely.