ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a teenager who escaped county juvenile authorities late Sunday morning.

According to SLMPD spokesman Mitch McCoy, Jaden Arce, 17, escaped around 11 a.m. near the intersection of South Kingshighway Boulevard and Parkview Place. He had been in the custody of St. Louis County deputy juvenile officers.

Police believe Arce ran into Forest Park. SLMPD dispatched officers and a K9 unit to search the area.

Arce is 5’6” tall and weighs approximately 120 pounds, with short black hair. He was wearing a gray crewneck and bright orange “jail” pants. Police believe Arce was barefoot when he escaped.

Arce had been charged in St. Louis County Circuit Court with first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, stealing a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, and two counts of armed criminal action.

Anyone who sees Arce or has knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately to contact their local law enforcement agency. Police ask that no one approach Arce if they spot him.