NICEVILLE, FL — Police in Niceville are searching for a missing 19-year-old autistic man after a Ring camera captured him running down his driveway Tuesday morning and getting into a gray and blue SUV. The vehicle then drove away, according to Niceville police.
Investigators identified the man as Parker Thompson. Police said he was last seen around 9 a.m. and have asked the public for help locating him and the vehicle seen in the footage.
Authorities have not said where Thompson may have been headed or whether he has any destination connected to the SUV.
What police say Thompson was wearing and carrying
Police released a detailed description of Thompson in hopes that someone may recognize him. He was last seen wearing black Nike shoes, light gray shorts, a blue T-shirt with white lettering that says “Adidas,” and a black baseball hat.
He was also carrying a small black and gray bag, according to the department. That kind of clothing and accessory detail can help witnesses narrow down whether they saw him after he left Chimney Rock Circle.
Niceville police also said Thompson is about 5-foot-11 and weighs about 150 pounds. He has fair skin, light brown shoulder-length hair, hazel eyes and wears thin, rectangular glasses.
How the Ring footage became the key lead
The central piece of evidence in the search is the home security video, which shows Thompson running down the driveway before getting into the SUV. Police said the footage provides the last known sighting of him and the direction of the vehicle as it left the area.
Because the vehicle was described only as gray and blue, investigators appear to be relying on the public to help identify it. Police also want tips from anyone who may have seen the SUV in the neighborhood or elsewhere after it drove away.
Niceville police did not say whether they believe Thompson left voluntarily or whether there are any concerns about his safety beyond the fact that he is missing.
Why police asked for immediate public help
When a missing person is autistic, officers and family members often look for fast public attention because the person may have trouble communicating needs or making it home safely on their own. In this case, police are treating the sighting as urgent and publicizing Thompson’s appearance and clothing.
The department said anyone with information about Thompson’s whereabouts should call the Niceville Police Department at 850-729-4030. Police also want information about the SUV shown in the image, which may help trace the route it took after leaving Chimney Rock Circle.
No additional update on Thompson’s condition or location was included in the notice from police.
What residents in the area should watch for
Police are asking residents to think back to Tuesday morning, especially around 9 a.m., when Thompson was last seen on the Ring camera. Anyone who noticed a gray and blue SUV in the area, or who saw a young man matching Thompson’s description, could have information that helps investigators.
His height, clothing and glasses may make him easier to spot if someone saw him after he left his home. The small black and gray bag could also be a useful detail for anyone checking doorbell footage or nearby security cameras.
Even if a witness is unsure whether a sighting is important, investigators are urging them to call and share what they know rather than wait for a clearer lead.
How to contact Niceville police with tips
Anyone with information about Thompson or the SUV is asked to contact the Niceville Police Department directly at 850-729-4030. Police have not released any other contact method in the notice.
For now, Thompson remains missing, and officers are relying on community tips and the Ring video to help determine where he went after leaving Chimney Rock Circle. The case remains active as police continue their search.
Authorities have not said when they may release another update.
