Missing Teen Alert: Search for Noah Horne in Gastonia

Disappearance from Group Home
Missing person in North Carolina. The Gastonia Police Department is asking for public assistance in locating 16-year-old Noah Horne. On August 30, 2025, Noah left a group home located at 1351 Hargrove Avenue in Gastonia. Authorities immediately began efforts to track him, but his whereabouts remain unknown.
Background on Noah Horne
Noah is currently in DSS custody and has a history of leaving without permission. This detail adds urgency to the case, as repeated incidents suggest a troubling pattern that authorities cannot ignore. His previous disappearances raise fears that he may again be at risk while alone, especially since each time he leaves, he distances himself from the support he needs. Community members and officials alike recognize the importance of quick action, knowing that delays could make locating him far more difficult.
Previous Incidents
Earlier in April 2025, police located Noah at 419 South Washington Street in Gastonia after a similar situation. That case ended safely, but it showed that Noah may gravitate toward familiar locations when leaving supervised care. Authorities hope this history provides valuable clues in the current investigation.
Community’s Role in the Search
Police and DSS workers stress that the community’s involvement is vital. A missing teen case often turns on small details: a sighting at a convenience store, a security camera recording, or a neighbor noticing unfamiliar movement. Officials encourage residents to remain alert, especially near areas Noah has visited before.
Why the Case Matters
Noah’s disappearance is not an isolated problem. Teens in DSS custody often face challenges that increase their vulnerability when unsupervised. Without stable guidance, they can encounter unsafe environments or individuals who take advantage of their situation. The quicker the public responds, the safer the outcome becomes.
How to Report Information
If you see Noah or know anything about his location, call the Gastonia Police Department front desk immediately at 704-866-6702. DSS workers ask the public not to delay, as even brief hesitation can cost valuable time. Direct reporting ensures investigators act fast and avoid confusion that social media posts might create.
A Call to Action
Noah Horne’s disappearance highlights how fragile safety can be for vulnerable teens. Each moment that passes without information places him at greater risk. The community must join together, keep watch, and share any clue that could lead to his safe return.
Noah deserves protection, stability, and a safe environment. If you know something, speak up. Your call may be the one that reunites him with the care he needs.
