Rodney Fudge Jr., the 15-year old R-section resident reported missing since April 24, was located safe and in good health Friday when a friend brought him to the investigative division of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
There are conflicting accounts regarding what led him to leave his house. Rodney himself told police he had not run away, according to a report by a sheriff’s investigator, but that he had been told by his father to leave. Rodney’s step-more disputed the account. Deputies could not locate Rodney’s father Friday.
Rodney was accompanied by Rene Martz, mother of a friend, when he was brought to the sheriff’s office Friday. Martz told police that she received a Facebook post with a news article stating Rodney was a missing juvenile. Martz then was able to have her son locate Rodney last evening at 4A Eaton Lane and brought him to The investigative division today.
Rodney told police that after his father told him to leave, he stayed at multiple friend’s houses a few days at a time–in the Z and E sections and in Flagler Beach.
Michelle Brock, rodney’s step mother, told police that Rodney had left of his own accord, and that, with a court date ahead for him, she feared he may run away again. Brock said Rodney Jr. would be allowed in the house, would keep him from leaving, and that once his father would come home, they would attempt to come up with a long term solution.
Rodney had also been seen at Buddy Taylor Middle School, attending classes, today.
The previous story is below.
Rodney Fudge Jr., 15, Missing Since April 24: Detectives Seeking Public Help Locating R-Section Resident
April 30—Rodney Fudge Jr. is a 15-year-old resident of Reinhardt Lane in Palm Coast who left his house on April 24 and hasn’t been seen since, though his father spoke to him on April 27. Flagler County Sheriff’s detectives are seeking the public’s help to locate Rodney.
Rodney is black, light-skinned, 5’6” and 145 pounds, brown eyes, short black hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a black shirt when he left home.
Rodney’s father, Rodney Fudge Sr., told police that his son left the house voluntarily on April 24 and did not come home. Fudge said he spoke to Rodney Jr. on April 27 at Ralph Carter Park and warned him about making good decisions and not going down the path that he is headed. Fudge said his son told him he was staying with a friend identified as “Dustin,” at the Palm Pointe Apartments in Bunnell.
Fudge said he does not have any indication that Rodney Jr. is in any danger or that foul play is suspected, but that Rodney Jr. does not have a phone and the only likely location for his son is Ralph Carter Park, a short distance from his home. Rodney Sr.
A deputy checked Ralph Carter Park and made contact with several juveniles on scene who denied knowing Rodney Jr. or seeing anyone in the area matching his description. The deputy also checked another house on Reinhardt that Rodney Jr. frequents often, without results, as well as the apartments in Bunnell.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Missing Child Information division, surrounding counties’ law enforcement agencies and all local agencies have been alerted.
Anyone who has seen Fudge is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386/313-4911 in reference to case number 2015-44384.
Jon Hardison says
My son just texted me that he saw him in school today. o.O
anonymous \ says
He was at Target yesterday with a group of kids, he left around 4:30 and was with someone saying they were going to his place.
getwithit says
That boy better contact his Family but fast. Hope he is okay.
kathyn says
Was very worried for Rodney.he is a sweet young man/trying to fit in.people do care son.be smart.contact social worker @ school to guide and direct you. Happy your or
A.S.F. says
Seems apparent that this whole family could use some serious counseling. I hope this young man stays safe.
Doyle says
Florida needs to teach the real true: THING ABOUT TEACH AND LOVE!!!! remember, remember, REMEMBER, REMEMBER!!! People love you Rodney, TO ALL: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. thanks DL.