Police in West Chester Township are searching for a 7-year-old boy who was last seen Wednesday evening.

Joshua Altheef Jr. has autism, is nonverbal and may not respond when his name is called, police said.

Joshua was last seen around 5:30 p.m. near his home on Wyndtree Drive. He is 4 feet tall and weighs 44 pounds. He was wearing a tan shirt, tan pants, black New Balance shoes and a jacket.

Police said Joshua likes water and parks. They asked residents in the area to check their property and call 513-777-2231 to report any signs of him.

Crews paused the search for Joshua at 3 a.m., according to officials. People who wish to assist in the search Thursday were asked to assemble at Mulhauser Barn in Beckett Park by 8 a.m.