Teen missing since Wednesday safe in Knoxville

A 17-year-old boy who has been missing since Wednesday morning from Lexington’s Veterans Park area was described as safe Saturday after calling his mother from a pay phone at a Greyhound bus station in Knoxville, Tenn., his father said Saturday.

Nick and Anitra Jump were on the way to Knoxville Saturday afternoon to pick up Broghan Lorentz “and get him home safe,” his father Nick Jump said. Broghan lives in the area of Lauderdale Drive near Veterans Park and was last seen around 10 p.m. at his residence Tuesday night. His disappearance set off a hunt that included police recruits, fire officials, volunteers and search dogs that had picked up his scent. Broghan’s family was concerned because Broghan has Tourette’s syndrome and impairments to his cognitive and decision-making abilities. They had said he didn’t recognize dangerous situations and was thought to be suicidal.

Nick Jump said after Broghan called his mother “on his own” about 11:45 a.m. Saturday, she asked Knoxville police to go to the bus station to make sure he was safe. Nick Jump said officers took Brogan to the Knoxville police station, but there is no criminal case associated with his disappearance.

Broghan’s parents said they haven’t yet talked to Broghan about what happened to him since Tuesday night, but Nick Jump said his son’s medication had recently been changed and they thought that might be a factor.

“Broghan Lorentz, who had been missing since Wednesday, has been confirmed safe in Knoxville, Tenn.,” Lexington police spokeswoman Brenna Angel said in a statement Saturday. “Thank you to everyone who helped with the search.”

“Thank you to everyone who has been praying and looking,” his family’s Facebook page said.

Nick Jump told the Herald-Leader: “We are overwhelmed with all the outpouring of support. It’s been amazing. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

A candlelight event to celebrate Broghan’s safety has been set for 4 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of Veterans Park Elementary School at 4351 Clearwater Way, his father said.

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This story was originally published November 11, 2017 at 10:55 AM with the headline "Teen missing since Wednesday safe in Knoxville."