Credit: Voices, Hearts and Hands
Police have confirmed a sighting of the still-missing Paul James Asman, 23, who ran from mental health care in the Fort Washington area one week ago. Wissahickon Now spoke with Paul’s mother, Tina, to provide an update to readers.
As previously reported by Wissahickon Now, Paul went missing on Friday, July 19 from the area of Morris Road in Fort Washington after he eloped from 303 care at Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital for a mental health crisis.
Both SEPTA and Whitemarsh police have confirmed that a surveillance video obtained from SEPTA cameras shows Paul boarding a train at the Ambler Train Station, located at 35 W. Butler Ave., according to Tina.
According to his mother, Paul was seen at the Ambler station at 7:43 p.m. on Friday, July 19.
“It is that same night he left,” she said. “We believe he ran to the woods and made his way to Amber.”
As calls came into police at 6:21 p.m. on July 19, Tina said it is likely he headed right there. Paul is later seen getting off of the same train in Center City Philadelphia at the Jefferson Station, located on Market Street between 10th and 12th streets.
“Footage shows him walking toward the Fashion District,” said Tina. She said it was in the area formerly known as The Gallery mall. Tina said that she has a daughter that lives in Center City.
“He is familiar with the train and parts of Center City,” Tina said of her son Paul, who was last seen wearing a green Eagles T-shirt, shorts, and sandals. “I don’t know if he is still there. It has been a week. He could be anywhere.”
If spotted, people are asked to dial 9-1-1 immediately. An updated flyer with information was also released by the Voices, Hearts, and Hands organization.
“They’ve been so good to us, too,” said Tina of the nonprofit started by two local women. “Everyone has been.”
Though he has a sister five years older living in Philadelphia, Tina said he has not reached out to any family members. He does not have any known access to money.
“He has no ID, everything is here,” said his mother. “I have his phone, wallet, ID. He left with just the shirt on his back.”
Paul is described as a white male, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is 6’8” and weighs around 250 pounds. He was last seen wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
