Clayton County police deployed tactical resources and specialized teams on Sunday, June 28, 2026, to locate Ramon "RJ" Jett, a vulnerable 6-year-old nonverbal boy who vanished from an apartment complex in Riverdale, Georgia.
Authorities stated that Jett disappeared between 11:30 a. m.
and 12:00 p. m.
from the Sutter Lake Apartments at 8104 Webb Road.
The youth is described as 3 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 40 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a light green shirt, camouflage shorts, and white socks.
The search effort involves patrol units, detectives, K-9 teams, a drone unit, and a Clayton County police dive team that began searching Joy Lake, a nearby body of water, around 8 p.
m.
Law enforcement officials expressed deep concern for the child's physical safety due to his medical mental health conditions, which include autism and ADHD, leaving him unable to communicate or seek help effectively.
Family members reported that Jett was staying at his older sister's apartment while his mother was at work, following a swimming trip on Saturday.
Officials noted that the apartment had safety door handles that the child was able to manipulate, unlike the high locks installed at his regular home.
"Very hard not knowing where to look. We’ve searched everything and just hoping somebody sees him," said Ashleigh Harris, RJ’s mom.
Harris explained that the family discovered the door was open after waking up from a nap around 1 p.
m. , which immediately triggered an intensive search amid high anxiety.
"We’re just praying for good news," said Harris.
The mother added that Jett has gone missing before but within a smaller area, and she advised anyone who spots him to use his nickname to make him feel welcome.
"He may be a little standoffish, but if you can, please contact the police station immediately. Call him by his nickname.
That might make him more welcome. He loves numbers, letters, nursery rhymes, and stuff like that.
So he's drawn to stuff like that," Harris said.
Local authorities and neighbors have mobilized to sweep the area, urging residents in the 8000 block of Webb Road to thoroughly inspect their properties, including yards, porches, outbuildings, and wooded areas.
"From my understanding this is not their home," said Major Frank Thomas of Clayton County PD.
Thomas clarified the situational context regarding the apartment's door handles before police renewed their calls for public vigilance.
"Due to his condition, he may be unable to communicate or seek help, and officers are deeply concerned for his safety.
Every minute is critical," Clayton County PD said.
The police department emphasized that community cooperation is vital to resolving the critical situation.
"Your call could be the one that brings him home safely," Clayton County PD said.
Local residents have joined the search efforts, expressing solidarity with the family as tactical units plan to continue operations through the overnight hours.
"This is a big complex," Demeca Evans, a local neighbor, explained as volunteers joined the sweep.
Evans noted that having a grandchild of the same age made the situation hit close to home.
"I got kids and I got a grandson that age, and I would be devastated to know that he was not in our presence or missing.
So I’m praying for the mother and the parents, and I really pray that you’ll find this baby," Evans said.
