Autistic boy, 8, sought in San Bernardino Mountains

A search in a San Bernardino Mountains community was continuing as nightfall approached for an 8-year-old autistic boy who ran away from his elementary school Monday morning.

Joshua Robb, whom authorities described as "severely autistic," was last seen on the playground of Grandview Elementary School in Twin Peaks, near Lake Arrowhead.

The boy, who has brown hair and dark brown eyes, was wearing a tan and gray striped shirt, black shorts and gray sandals, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He is about 4 feet, 6 inches tall.

Joshua left the school about 11 a.m., and the search was launched soon after. Sheriff’s deputies, the California Highway Patrol and numerous volunteers were scouring the heavily wooded areas surrounding the school. A helicopter was also aiding in the effort.

Authorities had followed Joshua’s footsteps leading from the school, but failed to find the boy. Sheriff’s spokeswoman Jodi Miller said officials planned on continuing the search throughout the night, using infrared and night vision equipment.

Anyone with information was asked to call the department’s Twin Peaks station at (909) 336-0600 or (909) 387-8313.

ALSO:

Murder-suicide suspected in Escondido deaths

Officials break ground on Santa Monica rail extension

Chatsworth train crash victims to be remembered in Simi Valley

-- Victoria Kim