‘Significant update’ coming in case of missing teen Jake Wilson

A 'significant update” in the case of missing teen Jake Wilson will be announced Thursday afternoon, according to a news release from the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office.

La Porte City Police Chief Chris Brecher and Sheriff Anthony Thompson will hold a news briefing at 4 p.m. at the La Porte City Fire Station. The Sheriff's Office said no details will be released until that time.

Jake, 16, who is autistic but described by his parents as high-functioning, has been missing more than four months.

On April 7, he went to get ice cream at a local shop in La Porte City and then returned home. He then asked permission to walk to Wolf Creek about two blocks away, saying he'd be right back, but hasn't been seen since.

Hundreds of volunteers searched for him for days without luck. Authorities used sonar, dive teams and a helicopter in the search and ultimately heavy equipment to clear the creek - all to no avail.

Officials told the media in recent weeks that the number of tips coming in about Jake's whereabouts had trailed off.