Wenham and Manchester-by-the-Sea police search for runaway teens last seen at Boston South Station
Wenham and Manchester-by-the-Sea police are searching for two teenagers who they believe ran away from home early this morning. Connor Southard, 13, and Laura Dixon, 14, took a taxi from Gordon College on Grapevine Road in Wenham to South Station in Boston at about 1:30 a.m., said Wenham Police Sergeant Jonathan Gray. They were last seen at South Station by their cab driver at 1:53 a.m., he said.
“It’s a missing child case, but we’re treating it as if they’ve run away,’’ said Gray. “There’s nothing suspicious to suggest otherwise.’’
Police believe that the teens may be headed to New York City or New Hampshire, he said.
Dixon, is from Wenham and Southard is from Manchester-by-the-Sea, said Gray. Neither has a history of running away, or of any run-ins with the police. Both of their families are cooperating with police.
They left home with $300 and without their cell phones, he said. Police do not know why the teens would run away, Gray said.
Tri-City Taxi confirmed with the police that the teens made it to South Station, and police are checking to see if there is video footage of them at the station.
“We’ve been made aware that there could be some video, but we haven’t seen any,’’ Gray said.
It was unclear whether Dixon and Southard had boarded a train or bus from South Station, or set off on foot.
“Connor’s family took him to New York City on Thanksgiving break, and he had such a good time, it’s all he’s been talking about,’’ Gray said. “South Station seems to be a launching point or that kind of thing.’’
But, he said, the idea that the teens may be headed to New York City is just speculation, and police are also looking into the possibility that they headed to New Hampshire, though he declined to comment why.
Wenham police have been in contact with Boston Police, MBTA Police, Amtrak Police, Massachusetts State Police, New York City Police, and New Hampshire Police said Gray. They are working with the FBI as well, which Gray said is typical in missing children cases.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is also helping in the search, said Gray.
Connor Southard is described as 5’ 7’’, thin, with short, dirty-blond hair. Police say he was believed to be wearing a short light blue coat, a dark winter cap, and dark pants, and carrying a black knapsack with “Connor’’ printed on it.
Laura Dixon is described as 5’ 4’’, thin, possibly with red hair, though police say she may have changed her hair color before leaving. She is possibly wearing a short light blue coat and a dark winter hat, and carrying a dark backpack. She walks with a limp.
“Do I think they’re safe? I hope so,’’ said Gray. “I wouldn’t want my 13 year old walking around in Boston at night.’’
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