GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A search was underway for a missing Grand Rapids teenager Saturday in Rockford.

A search group of friends, family and community members banded together to search for 16-year-old Cortez McConer Jr.

The Grand Rapids Police Department said he was missing from his home in Grand Rapids and police were working to find him.

“The community has transformed tremendously,” said Kisha Haggerty, Cortez’s mother. “They continue to repost, share his messages. We had very good participation in the research today.

Until this Saturday, McConer was considered a fugitive by the GRPD. But Haggerty says that’s not the case.

“I need everyone to know he’s not a runaway,” Haggerty said. “It’s a missing child. Once that’s available, we get the help we need from the community.

Earlier in the day, relatives began searching for the teen in Rockford, where the family says the last known person who spoke with Cortez was seen. The family continues to appeal to the community for any help in finding Cortez.

“Anything, any observation, any clue, anything. Talk to your children, ask them to speak up if they know anything, whatever you have. Haggerty said.

Grand Rapids police said they received multiple tips about the boy’s last known whereabouts and were working with his family and other law enforcement “to ensure his safe return home.”

Ultimately, all Kisha wants is to bring her son home.

“Baby, come home. We miss you so much,” Haggerty said. “I promise I won’t be upset. Come home. We miss you. We miss you so much. Please come home to us. Please, please, please please.”

Anyone with information on McConer’s location is asked to contact GRPD detectives by calling (616) 456-3380 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.