Allen Purnell, 16, was last seen June 29, 2022, in the West Avenue area of Tallmadge, Ohio. His disappearance followed a family dispute: his mother was planning a move back to New Jersey and Allen reportedly did not want to go. Before he left, he packed a majority of his possessions into three large bags — work clothes, sheets, a comforter, a towel and other personal items — which has led investigators and family to believe he intended to start over elsewhere rather than leave on a short walk.

Allen is described as a male with brown hair and brown eyes, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and roughly 120 pounds. At the time he was last seen he was likely wearing sweatpants, a t-shirt and sneakers. The bulk of his packed bags has prompted the belief that he was picked up by someone in a vehicle rather than traveling a long distance on foot.

The Tallmadge Police Department opened the investigation. No public updates about his whereabouts have been widely shared since his disappearance. If anyone knew Allen, saw him on or after June 29, 2022, or has information about who might have driven him from West Avenue, please come forward.