Family continues search for missing Michigan teen; $5,000 reward offered
The family of Michigan teen Noah Winters is seeking answers after he has been missing for one week.
"I'm trying not to think cause your mind can go in all kinds of directions," said Noah's grandmother, Patricia Johnson.
The 17-year-old was last seen on May 14 as he left his aunt's home. Video footage shows Noah getting into a black Jeep Compass.
"His phone has been off – and usually for a 17-year-old to have his phone off so long its unusual," Eastpointe police Lt. Alex Holish told CBS News Detroit.
Within hours, family members say they started receiving messages that Noah was possibly dead in a vacant home in Detroit.
"We want to search any house, we want to search houses with for sale signs. We want to ask landlords -- if they don't mind opening their doors and taking a peek in," said family member Oliver Gantt.
CBS News Detroit learned that Noah had just returned to the area after staying with his dad. His family says they are positive he didn't run away, especially since he was planning to escort someone to prom this week.
"I was really looking forward to seeing him dressed up. I know when you dress up, it makes you feel a lot better," said Karl Murphy, Noah's Godfather.
Noah's mother, Brittney Mills, says he planned to obtain a CDL after graduation. She was able to recall their last encounter before he disappeared.
"He hugged me so tight. And usually he's annoyed with me asking for hugs all the time," Mills said.
Noah's phone last pinged somewhere in Detroit, authorities say. The family says police are looking into his phone records.
"There's a $5K reward for factual information leading to Noah's whereabouts and what happened to Noah," Gantt said.
Sources tell CBS News Detroit that social media platforms are also under investigation.
"I want him here, so we're banding together. I need every hug from each one of them[family], because I feel like I'm going to go to pieces at any moment," Noah's grandmother told us.