An autistic man missing for more than 12 hours was found Sunday night in the town of Berwick, about 30 miles from his home.

Authorities said William Webber of Saco was spotted walking through a property owner’s backyard off Route 4 around 7:30 p.m.

Police said Webber, who was discovered missing by his mother around 7 a.m. Sunday, probably walked from his home on Hill Street in Saco to Berwick.

Earlier in the day, an Amtrak train operator reported seeing Webber walking beside railroad tracks. The property where he was located is about 100 yards from the Amtrak rail line.

Berwick police Officer Bill Russell escorted the 23-year-old to the police station, where he was reunited with his parents Sunday night.

“He was in great shape,” Russell said of the young man’s physical condition.

Saco police Cpl. Ken Foss said Webber is believed to have left sometime during the night from his home in Saco, where he lives with his parents. He did not bring his eyeglasses or his hearing aids with him, which raised concerns about his safety.

At the time of his disappearance, police knew that Webber was fascinated with trains and has been known to walk long distances on train tracks.

Foss said Webber has limited language skills and will give out his name if asked.

“He’s safe, but we are still not sure where he was going,” Foss said.

 

Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at:

dhoey@pressherald.com