Police search for missing 5-year-old boy from Tavares

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued an AMBER Alert for Jace Saunders, 5, Monday morning. Tavares police began searching for the boy Sunday afternoon. He was last seen on the south side of Tavares in the Summerall Park area around 1:19 p.m. Sunday. Police said he was last seen wearing dark blue pajamas with a graphic pattern on the front. Saunders is semi-verbal and has been diagnosed with autism, according to police. He is believed to be in a black Honda Accord or passenger car in the care of his grandmother, Kelly Dasilva. Police said Saunders was supposed to be in federal custody but believe his family unlawfully took him during a DCF investigation. Saunders’ mother and father were arrested for child custody interference, according to police. Mitchell Morris, a family friend, was also arrested on the same charge. If you have any information about Saunders or his whereabouts, contact Tavares Police at (324) 742-6200.