Missing juvenile — Chapel Hill Police searching for 14-year-old Kaden Tran
A quiet night that turned into fear
Missing person in North Carolina. Kaden Tran stepped into the darkness before dawn. The clock neared 2:30 a.m. The area was Deerwood Court. Houses slept in silence. A single absence changed everything. Calls brought no answer. Messages stayed unread. Family felt fear immediately. Officers joined the search fast. Every hour since carries weight. Community awareness now matters deeply.
Who Kaden Tran is
Kaden is fourteen. He is a brother, friend, and student. Friends describe curiosity and humor. Family remembers kindness during small moments. Games, music, and laughter fill his world. Goals include growth, independence, and confidence. His disappearance shook everyone. Quiet rooms now feel heavier. Hope, however, refuses to fade.
The last confirmed timeline
Searchers marked the time carefully. Kaden disappeared near Deerwood Court. Direction after that remains unknown. Several paths cut through the neighborhood. Tree lines hide shortcuts. Parks rest beyond quiet streets. Investigators began mapping possibilities. They checked nearby cameras. They spoke with neighbors. Each tip built another thread. Even tiny details gained value.
Why the hour matters
Night creates blind spots quickly. Streetlights miss corners. Fewer witnesses move outside. Footprints vanish overnight. Weather can shift instantly. Exhaustion complicates choices. Delays erase chances. Fast reporting protects kids. Community vigilance fills gaps. Awareness can save time.
What we know about appearance
Kaden stands about five-six. Weight sits near one-forty. Hair frames a thoughtful face. Eyes carry focus and calm. Clothing remains unknown. That challenge increases difficulty. Faces therefore matter most. Memory may spark recognition suddenly. Trust that instinct if it happens.
How investigators search
Chapel Hill officers canvass neighborhoods. Detectives gather video footage. Patrol teams revisit common routes. Dispatch records each call carefully. Leads receive quick review. Partner agencies share resources. Schools remain informed. Rumors only slow progress. Verified details move first. Communication stays steady and focused.
What the family is facing
Nights stretch endlessly. Dinner sits untouched. The porch light stays on. Every vibration sparks hope. Silence follows again. Friends offer comfort. Neighbors circulate flyers. Prayer groups gather quietly. Support holds the family upright. Love refuses to quit.
Why your memory matters
Recoveries often begin with fragments. A driver recalls a walker. A neighbor remembers footsteps. A cashier notices a face. These pieces form timelines. Timelines create direction. Direction guides investigators. Sharing multiplies visibility. Visibility shortens searches.
What to do if something feels important
Write details immediately. Note time and location. Describe companions and vehicles. Avoid confrontation. Keep a safe distance. Call authorities quickly. Stay available afterward.
Where to report information
Call 911 for any real-time sighting. For tips, contact Chapel Hill Police at 919-968-2760 during business hours. Crime Stoppers also accepts information at 919-942-7515. Online tips can be submitted through local reporting portals. Never assume another person called. One report could change everything.
Chapel Hill remains alert tonight. Officers continue searching. Neighbors keep watching roads and parks. Screens share Kaden’s photo. Please stay aware. Please share responsibly. Help bring Kaden Tran home safely.
