JONESBORO, Ga. — Authorities say a missing special needs student was found safe five hours after he disappeared.
The mother of 14-year-old Christopher Robinson, who disappeared from a Clayton County middle school Wednesday, said the boy somehow wandered to the Stockbridge Walmart, where a guidance counselor happened to spot him.
The teen's afternoon disappearance sparked a massive search, as News Chopper 2 flew over M.D. Roberts Middle School, where Clayton County Sheriff's Office set up a command post.
Deputies, along with the sheriff's office's helicopter, were dispatched near the school on Walt Stevens Road in Jonesboro.
The teen's mother, Christine Robinson, told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri she wants to know what is being done to prevent this from happening again.
"They've got a lot of explaining to do. For a lack of a better work, they've got a lot of explaining to do," Robinson said.
Robinson said she is concerned because this is not the first time something like this has happened with her son, who is autistic and speech and language impaired.
"Academically, they're doing a superb job, but they're doing a rotten job with keeping up with him as far as his safety goes," Robinson said.
A school spokesman said Christopher was upset because a teacher took his cellphone. The spokesman said Christopher ran off during an outdoor gym class while a paraprofessional was dealing with another student.
"I'm just hoping that some things are done to make sure things are better, or go somewhere to make sure his safety is not in jeopardy," Robinson said.
Robinson said her son is fine, other than being sore from walking seven miles from his school to the Walmart.
WSBTV
