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GASTON COUNTY, NC (FOX 46 WJZY) – The search continues for a 6-year-old boy who disappeared Saturday from a Gastonia park.
Gastonia's police said Maddox Ritch was last seen at around 2.30pm. September 22 at Rankin Lake Park off Route 321 in Gastonia. He is described as having a height of 4 "0" and weighing 45 pounds with blond hair.He is afflicted with nonverbal autism.
Authorities released Monday photos showing what Ritch had seen for the last time – an orange t-shirt with the inscription "I am the man", with black shorts with a white stripe.
Investigators say that one of Ritch's parents and two other adults were walking behind the lake when Maddox ran off. When they could not find it, they called 911.
Now, a large-scale search and rescue operation is underway and the region's authorities are two miles from the park. Officials are also working to obtain surveillance videos of all businesses in the area.
RELATED: Federal agents join in search of a missing 6 year old
Some employees of these neighboring companies also contribute to the research.
"I prayed that I would find him.He would be hidden somewhere.I could help him.I prayed that I would see his little face and his little orange shirt and that I tell him that it's okay and that I will seek help for you and bring him home.I prayed that more than anything, he would be fine, "said Krystal Peninger.
His company joined Rankin Lake Park where he disappeared on Saturday afternoon.
Peninger says she's looking for Ritch. She searched behind the building and inside trailers in her tulip shop in Gastonia.
"We opened them all up to make sure he did not hide or penetrate them or that the doors were not open. I went out here this morning. I spoke with one of the researchers who was there this morning. He said that they had already checked all the storm sewers, "Penninger said.
The FBI and local authorities joined Maddox's three days of research.
"The prayers are with the family, with first responders, with everyone involved that he comes home and he is safe," said Penninger.
Investigators ask anyone who was in Rankin Lake Park on Saturday afternoon and took pictures or videos to call (704) 869-1075.
You can watch the press conference today or by clicking here.
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