Fort Wayne authorities issued an urgent alert on August 18, 2025, seeking public help to find 11-year-old Drayden Sayers, who vanished and is considered endangered. The boy was last spotted near Winter Street and Paulding Road, prompting a widespread search by police and community members.

Boy’s Description and Last Sighting

Drayden stands at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 100 pounds. He has blonde hair and green eyes, which could help people spot him quickly.

Police reports state he wore dark green shorts and a lime green camo shirt at the time of his disappearance. Notably, he had no shoes on, raising concerns about his safety in the current weather conditions.

This detail about his clothing and barefoot state has spread through social media and local news, urging residents to check their neighborhoods and backyards.

Area of Disappearance and Search Efforts

The last known location places Drayden in a residential zone near Winter Street and Paulding Road in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This area includes homes, roads, and nearby fields, making the search challenging yet focused.

Officers started combing the vicinity right after the report came in early on August 18. They used foot patrols, vehicles, and even called in extra resources to cover more ground.

Community volunteers joined the effort, sharing flyers and posting on platforms like social media to widen the reach. Local businesses and schools in the area stayed alert for any signs of the boy.

As the day progressed, search teams expanded to nearby parks and trails, aware that children in such situations might wander farther than expected.

Why Police Consider Him Endangered

Authorities labeled Drayden as endangered due to his young age and the circumstances of his disappearance. At 11 years old, he faces risks from traffic, weather, or other hazards without adult supervision.

Experts in missing persons cases note that quick action in the first hours boosts recovery chances. In similar situations across the country this year, rapid community response has led to safe returns in many instances.

Police have not released details on why he left or if foul play is suspected, but they stress the urgency to find him soon. This classification triggers more resources, including possible alerts on highways and media broadcasts.

How the Community Can Help

Residents play a key role in searches like this one. Police encourage everyone to report any sightings without delay.

Here are simple steps people can take:

• Check outdoor areas around homes, such as sheds, garages, and under porches.
• Share the boy’s description on social media and neighborhood groups.
• Contact authorities if you see someone matching his look, even if unsure.

To organize tips, officials provided contact numbers for direct reports.

This table sums up the best ways to reach out, ensuring tips flow in quickly.

Past Missing Child Cases in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne has seen several missing child alerts in recent years, offering lessons for current efforts. In 2024, an 11-year-old girl went missing downtown but was found safe within hours thanks to bus surveillance and public tips.

Earlier in 2023, another boy disappeared from a similar residential area and turned up unharmed after community searches. These successes highlight the power of quick, collective action.

However, not all cases end well, as seen in national stories where delays led to tragedy. This history pushes local police to act fast and involve the public early.

Data from child safety organizations show that over 400,000 children go missing each year in the U.S., with most found within days. Fort Wayne’s track record in resolving such incidents remains strong, with community involvement often making the difference.

Ongoing Updates and What Happens Next

As of late August 18, 2025, the search continues without new leads, but police remain hopeful. They plan to update the public through press briefings and social media as information emerges.

Investigators might bring in drones or search dogs if needed, based on similar operations this year. Weather forecasts for the area predict mild conditions, which could aid the efforts.

Families in missing child situations often face emotional strain, and support groups in Indiana offer resources for those affected. The focus now stays on bringing Drayden home safely.

Share this article with friends and family to spread the word, and comment below if you have tips or thoughts on how communities can better support such searches.