Bristol and Roanoke County, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Three missing teenagers in Bristol and Roanoke County have been safely located following separate incidents that triggered urgent searches. Ryan David Scott, 14, was reported missing and later found safe. A 15-year-old boy, last seen at home, has also been located, though concerns remain regarding a missing firearm associated with his case. Finally, Elijah Campbell, 17, who had autism, was found after his tracking device failed, and police later discovered he had stolen a U-Haul truck. The community breathes a sigh of relief as these teens are reunited with their families.
Bristol and Roanoke County, Virginia – Multiple missing teenagers have been found safe in Bristol and Roanoke County, according to local police. The developments follow frantic searches for three boys who had been reported missing in separate incidents over the past week.
Ryan David Scott, a 14-year-old from Bristol, was the first to be located. He had been reported missing by the Bristol, Virginia Police Department after last being seen on a Sunday night around 7 p.m. in Johnson City. Scott is described as standing 5’5″ and weighing approximately 130 pounds, with brown hair styled in a buzz cut. The police had requested public assistance in locating him. Fortunately, they later confirmed that Scott has been found safe.
In another incident, a 15-year-old boy was reported missing after being last seen at his Bristol home on August 7 around 4 p.m. This teen is about 5’5″ tall and weighs around 160 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing dark gray sweatpants, a dark gray shirt, white athletic shoes, and a red baseball hat. Authorities expressed concern about the boy’s safety, as he was believed to be in possession of a handgun that had been stored in a locked safe before it was stolen. However, an update confirmed that he too has been found safe, while the search for the missing firearm continues.
The final report involves Elijah Campbell, a 17-year-old boy with autism who had been missing from Roanoke County. Campbell was last seen around 2 a.m. near his home off Rutrough Road, wearing a gray t-shirt and black shorts. He is described as 5’4″ tall with brown hair, brown eyes, and he has a cast on his leg. Although Campbell was enrolled in a Project Lifesaver program intended to aid in tracking individuals with certain conditions, authorities were unable to locate him through his tracking device. He was eventually found in Bristol, Tennessee, after reportedly stealing a U-Haul truck and driving it across state lines. Police determined that he had been seen driving the vehicle with an Arizona license plate and heading towards Giles County. Authorities reported that Campbell was not believed to be traveling with anyone and it was unclear if he had a driver’s license.
The safe recoveries of these teens have provided relief to their families and the community. The ongoing searches for the handgun related to the 15-year-old’s case continue, as local law enforcement continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community.
Key Details of the Incidents
| Teen’s Name | Age | Last Seen | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan David Scott | 14 | Sunday Night in Johnson City | 5’5″, 130 lbs, brown hair (buzz cut) | Found Safe |
| 15-Year-Old Boy | 15 | Aug 7 at Bristol Home | 5’5″, 160 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes | Found Safe; Gun Missing |
| Elijah Campbell | 17 | 2 a.m. near Home in Roanoke County | 5’4″, brown hair, brown eyes, cast on leg | Found Safe |
FAQ
What are the names of the missing teens that were found?
Ryan David Scott, a 14-year-old, a 15-year-old boy whose name has not been disclosed, and Elijah Campbell, a 17-year-old boy with autism, were all reported missing and subsequently found safe.
What details are available about Ryan David Scott?
Ryan David Scott is 14 years old, 5’5″, approximately 130 pounds, and has brown hair in a buzz cut. He was last seen on a Sunday night in Johnson City.
What details are available about the 15-year-old boy?
The missing 15-year-old is described as 5’5″ tall and weighing 160 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen in dark gray sweatpants and a red baseball hat. Police also mentioned he may have been in possession of a handgun.
What additional information is available about Elijah Campbell?
Elijah Campbell is 17 years old, 5’4″, with brown hair and brown eyes, and he was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and black shorts. He has a cast on his leg and was reported missing from Roanoke County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bristol Police Successfully Locate Missing Teen and Accomplice
Bristol Police Locate Two Missing Teenagers
Additional Resources
- WCYB: Bristol Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Missing 14-Year-Old Ryan David Scott
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- WSET: Bristol Virginia Police: Missing 15-Year-Old Boy May Be in Possession of a Handgun
- Google Search: Missing Teen Virginia
- WJHL: Police: 30-Year-Old Traveled to Meet Juvenile at Bristol Virginia Hotel
- Google Scholar: Police Investigation Virginia
- WSLS: 17-Year-Old with Autism Missing Out of Roanoke County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Persons Cases
- SuperTalk 92.9: Bristol VA Police Looking for Missing Teen Girl
- Google News: Bristol Virginia News
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
