A 17-year-old student from Thomas S. Wootton High School has been reported missing, prompting growing concern among family members, classmates, and authorities in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Armaan Bhatia, a student at the Rockville-based public high school, has been missing since May 18, according to statements shared by his family and local community members on Facebook. On Thursday morning, the Facebook page “Find Armaan” was updated to announce that the missing teenager had been found and safely reunited with family and friends. The Bhatia family has requested privacy at this time.
“My 17-year-old son, Armaan Bhatia,” Rakhi Bhatia, Armaan’s mother, told The American Bazaar, “a student at Thomas S. Wootton High School has been missing for several days and is considered at risk due to ongoing mental health and severe sleep deprivation.”
The family added that shortly before disappearing, Bhatia had reportedly gone multiple days without sleep and appeared physically exhausted. Rakhi Bhatia described signs of emotional withdrawal and behavioral changes that heightened concerns for his safety.
“We are extremely worried about his physical and emotional state and are asking anyone who may have seen him or has information about his whereabouts to please contact local authorities or reach out immediately,” she said.
Authorities in Montgomery County have issued a missing person alert and are asking residents to remain vigilant. Police have not publicly released extensive details about the circumstances of his disappearance, but community members have circulated appeals across social media platforms to expand awareness.
Family members said Armaan Bhatia was last believed to have been connected to activities around Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, a highly ranked Montgomery County public school with nearly 2,000 students.
Students and parents in the Wootton community have shared messages of support online, with several classmates urging anyone with information to come forward. Some community members have also organized informal search efforts and neighborhood outreach.
Police urged anyone with information regarding Armaan Bhatia’s whereabouts to contact the Montgomery County Department of Police non-emergency line or local law enforcement immediately.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated as more details have emerged.