Daytona Beach Police Searched for Missing Teenager
Authorities are asking for public assistance in locating 16-year-old Matthew Fertil, who was last seen on Thursday.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Emergency Response

The Daytona Beach Police Department is searching for 16-year-old Matthew Fertil. He was last seen in the 400 block of S. Caroline Street.
Why it matters
Law enforcement officials frequently rely on community awareness to locate missing juveniles quickly. Disseminating specific clothing descriptions is a standard measure to aid public identification efforts.
Matthew Fertil was reported missing from the 400 block of S. Caroline Street. The search remains active as police process leads in the Daytona Beach area.
The players
Matthew Fertil
He is the 16-year-old boy currently the subject of an active missing person search in Daytona Beach.
Daytona Beach Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is managing the investigation and coordinating the search for the missing teenager.
The details
Matthew Fertil was last seen wearing a white shirt, ripped jeans, white socks, and red shoes. The Daytona Beach Police Department issued an alert regarding his disappearance through social media channels to facilitate the search.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: Matthew Fertil was last seen by authorities.
Seasonal Patterns
The search follows standard procedures established by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's missing child response protocols. Local law enforcement efforts align with these documented guidelines to maximize the speed of community-led search responses.
Residents are encouraged to contact the Daytona Beach Police Department if they have any information regarding the whereabouts of Matthew Fertil. Please remain alert for the described clothing items, including the red shoes and ripped jeans, when moving through the S. Caroline Street area.
The takeaway
Maintaining awareness of local missing person alerts can significantly improve the chances of a safe and swift resolution. If you have information to share, prioritize contacting local law enforcement directly to ensure it reaches the investigative team immediately.
Further reading
For more information on how local authorities manage public safety alerts, visit the Emergency Response section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WESH.










