Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP150764)
Official reports from the Polk County Sheriff's Office have indicated that 17-year-old Johnnie Ivan West, who was reported missing, has been found alive. The specific date and the circumstances surrounding his recovery have not been publicly detailed. The distressing situation began on September 28, 2025, when the teenager was last seen in Lakeland, Florida. At the time of his disappearance, Johnnie was on foot.
He was last observed wearing a black tank top, yellow gym shorts, gray socks, and a pair of black Nike slides. His sudden absence prompted an immediate response from law enforcement and a concerned community, initiating a search for the young man.
The circumstances surrounding Johnnie's disappearance were that he was last seen between the hours of 5:00 PM and 5:45 PM on that late September evening. Johnnie is described as a White/Caucasian male with blond or strawberry-colored hair and blue eyes. His physical stature was noted as being approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 142 pounds. The lack of any immediate communication or sightings following his last known location created a period of uncertainty and concern for his family and friends as they awaited any news regarding his whereabouts.
The investigation into the disappearance of Johnnie West was handled by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The case, which began with a report of a missing teenager from Lakeland, Florida, eventually concluded with the positive news that he had been located safely. While the specifics of what transpired during the time he was missing and how he was ultimately found are not publicly available, the resolution brought an end to the active search. The overview of the case reflects a journey from a concerning missing person report to a hopeful outcome, marking the successful and safe return of a young individual to his community.Last Seen: Sep 28, 2025
