Charlotte police seek public help locating 18-year-old with cognitive impairment last seen on Monroe Road

What is known about the disappearance

Charlotte police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating an 18-year-old man reported missing after he was last seen in southeast Charlotte on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The missing person, Chase Amos Thompson, was last seen around 5:15 p.m. walking near the 9100 block of Monroe Road. Investigators said he has a cognitive impairment and may be lost or confused.

Police described Thompson as a Black male, about 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black-and-green hat, a white shirt and blue jeans. The missing-person report associated with the case is 20260309-1549-02.

Why authorities classify the case as urgent

Cases involving individuals with cognitive impairments can move quickly from a welfare check to a safety emergency, particularly when a person may have difficulty navigating traffic corridors, seeking help from strangers, or communicating their identity and home address. In such circumstances, investigators typically focus early efforts on pinpointing the last confirmed location and time, then rapidly narrowing the search area based on how far a person could reasonably travel on foot.

How searches are typically built in the first 24–48 hours

In missing-person investigations, early actions often concentrate on verifying last known movements and identifying any immediate risks. That work commonly includes reviewing available camera footage near the last known location, canvassing for witnesses, and attempting to establish a timeline through calls and messages. When a case involves potential confusion or disorientation, outreach to nearby businesses and residents can be critical because encounters may be brief and unreported unless specifically asked about later.

• Confirming the last verified sighting and direction of travel.

• Checking areas where a person on foot may seek shelter, water, or assistance.

• Sharing a clear description so the public can recognize clothing and distinguishing features.

Anyone with information about Thompson’s whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately.

What the public can do now

Police are asking anyone who believes they have seen Thompson near Monroe Road or elsewhere in Charlotte to call 9-1-1. Tips can be especially useful if they include the time and place of a sighting, the direction the person was traveling, and any details about clothing that match the description.

Because this case involves a cognitive impairment, authorities are urging the public not to wait to see whether someone else reports it. Even small details can help investigators refine a search area and prioritize follow-up checks in the hours after a disappearance is reported.