Spectrum Alert issued for missing teen

A Florida Missing Child Spectrum Alert went active on Monday for a 14-year-old boy who left his Springhill home Sunday night. The alert covers Hernando County and asks residents to watch for Lucas Maresca.

Maresca was last seen around 11:30 p.m. Sunday near 10500 Blythville Road. He is a white male, 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighs 126 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. At the time, he wore a white polo shirt, gray shorts with a black stripe, and SpongeBob slippers.

Lucas has non-verbal autism. Investigators reported he pried open the lock on his bedroom window and exited that way. He left on foot. Authorities noted he tends to run if someone approaches him. The family called police at 1:45 a.m. Monday to report him missing. That marked the start of the official search.

Deputies are using bloodhounds from the Pasco Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit on the ground. Inclement weather has hindered aerial search efforts. Officials have not confirmed which direction Lucas traveled after leaving the Blythville Road area. Neighbors are asked to check porches and sheds.

Anyone with information should call 911 or the Hernando County Sheriff's Office at 352-754-6830.