The Disappearance of Tony Ford Jr.

On April 14, 2025, 17-year-old Tony Lavell Ford Jr. was reported missing from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a city approximately 25 miles west of Knoxville in Anderson County. Tony is described as a Black male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. His disappearance has been officially recorded in the National Crime Information Center under the entry M788470834 .

Last Known Contact and Investigation Efforts

The last confirmed contact with Tony was on May 4, 2025. Investigators believe he may be located anywhere within Anderson County or the neighboring Knox County, which includes the city of Knoxville . The Oak Ridge Police Department is leading the investigation, with Investigator Jason Robbins serving as the primary contact. The department has been actively seeking information from the public to aid in locating Tony.

Public Awareness and Support

Tony's case has garnered attention from various organizations dedicated to locating missing children. The nonprofit organization Saving Lost Kids has featured Tony on their platform, encouraging the public to join their text alert group by texting "LOST" to 51555 to receive updates and information on missing children in the Mid-South and Tennessee regions . This initiative aims to increase public awareness and facilitate community involvement in locating missing youths.

The Role of State Agencies

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintains a Missing Persons Clearinghouse, which provides resources and information on missing individuals across the state. While Tony's case is listed in national databases, it is also included in the TBI's efforts to locate missing children, highlighting the collaborative approach between local and state agencies in addressing such cases ....Read More