MONSON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Authorities are searching for a 16-year-old boy with special needs who has been missing since approximately 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, along with two family dogs.

Monson Police said Westcomm Regional Dispatch received a call Tuesday morning reporting the teen missing. The boy’s name has not been released. The search began around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

An alert was sent out to cell phone users approximately 11:45 a.m. Tuesday stating the teen “left into the woods and has not returned.” Police said the boy was spotted on a security camera traveling south, with the dogs, toward Connecticut. Connecticut State Police and Stafford Fire were notified as a result.

The boy was last seen wearing a navy-blue shirt, black shorts, and glasses.

Approximately 150 searchers and dozens of K-9s searched Tuesday in the area around Moulton Hill and Cedar Swamp Roads. Agencies involved in the search included Mass. State Police, local and regional police and fire departments, and the Western Mass. Technical Rescue Team.

A helicopter flew above the area and ATVs were deployed to navigate the heavily forested terrain.

The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department said they also responded to the scene to aide in the search with their drone unit.

The initial search ended around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. Police said the effort was suspended because “after continuous hours of searching the area, personnel and K-9s were fatigued” and to ensure the safety and effectiveness of crews given the conditions. Monson Police continued a lookout for the boy overnight.

Additional resources arrived Wednesday morning to resume the search.

Westcomm Regional Dispatch said crews “desperately need the community’s help” and are asking residents to keep watch, particularly in the southern part of Monson near Stafford. Residents are asked to check doorbell, trail, or security cameras from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. Dispatch noted, “Even the smallest detail could be the clue that search teams need.”

Officials are asking residents not to start informal search parties. Monson Public Schools is offering a way for people to volunteer through organized search efforts. Those interested can fill out a form, and officials will send specific details including meeting locations and times.

Anyone with information is urged to call 911, Monson Police at 413-893-9500, or Westcomm Regional Dispatch at 413-594-1639.

Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and will have more information as it becomes available.

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