A sense of urgency and concern spread through a New Jersey community when 15-year-old Dauven Hernandez was reported missing from Jersey City on July 16, 2026. A family member had last seen the teen at approximately 9:00 PM the previous evening. At the time of his disappearance, Dauven was described as a light-skinned Hispanic male, standing five feet, five inches tall, and weighing around 120 pounds. He had brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts. The Jersey City Police Department's Missing Person Unit promptly began an investigation, seeking the public's assistance in their efforts to bring the teenager home safely.
As the search for Dauven continued, details emerged that highlighted the vulnerable nature of his situation, elevating his case to that of an endangered missing person. Those close to Dauven shared that he was diagnosed with ADHD and had high support needs.
He could become non-verbal when feeling overwhelmed and was known to self-harm by biting himself during moments of distress. It was also noted that he had resided in Puerto Rico before moving to the area, and the phrase "Puerto Rico" could be a potential trigger for him. To further complicate the search, authorities learned that Dauven might be using aliases, including Gabriel Garcia, Antonio Hernandez, or Antonio Garcia. These details painted a portrait of a sensitive young man facing significant challenges, deepening the fears of his family and the community for his well-being.
The investigation took a significant turn when it was discovered that Dauven had traveled out of state, making his way to Niagara Falls, New York. Reports indicated that his intention was to cross the border into Canada. While in Niagara Falls, Dauven reportedly attempted to get into a city mission but was denied entry because of his age. He was then taken to a youth crisis shelter, but his stay was brief, as he left the facility after only four hours. He was described as a flight risk who was scared to return home. The search extended across state lines, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Thankfully, on August 6, 2026, official reports announced that Dauven had been located. The case was a harrowing ordeal involving a multi-state search for a vulnerable teenager who was navigating immense personal difficulties far from home.Last Seen: Jul 16, 2026
