A missing child investigation in Brooklyn escalated this week after a police K9 detected traces of human blood in the family’s apartment, according to law enforcement sources, as reported by The New York Post.

The case involves an 11-year-old autistic boy who was reported missing from a residence on Howard Avenue near Sutter Avenue in Brownsville. The New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) first conducted a wellness check on September 25, sources said.

During the initial visit, the boy’s mother opened the door to caseworkers but did not provide her son’s birth certificate. Although cooperative in other ways, officials reported that the home showed no signs the child was living there.

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On Wednesday, ACS workers returned to the apartment, this time accompanied by officers from the NYPD. When police questioned the boy’s mother about her son’s whereabouts, she allegedly became enraged and began arguing with them, according to the sources.

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At that point, NYPD detectives brought in a K9 unit to assist in the search. The police dog detected human blood in or around the refrigerator inside the apartment, investigators said. Despite the discovery, the missing boy was not located in the residence.

New York, USA / March, 2020 / An NYPD police cruiser parked up on the side street. No officer at the wheel. Clear focus on the NYPD badge and decal. Showing its scarred body from impacts and life.

Authorities confirmed the investigation is ongoing. Detectives are working with ACS as they continue to search for the child. As of Friday morning, no criminal charges had been filed against the mother.

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She was taken to a hospital for evaluation as an “emotionally disturbed person,” according to police sources.

Law enforcement has not released the boy’s name, and it remains unclear how long he has been missing. Officials also have not provided additional details about the blood discovered in the apartment.

The NYPD is urging anyone with information about the boy’s whereabouts to come forward as the case remains active.

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