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Golden Alert issued for Nicholasville boy after elopement, police say
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Kentucky/The Apex Times/Oct 23, 9:31 PM EDT

Golden Alert issued for Nicholasville boy after elopement, police say

Nicholasville police requested public help to locate 11-year-old Zander Cates, who left home in the Imperial Pointe area, according to a Golden Alert notice.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

Nicholasville police issued a Golden Alert for 11-year-old Zander Cates after he eloped from his home on Imperial Pointe, the department said in a public notice on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The notice describes Cates as neurodivergent and states that police are asking the community to check for him and report any sightings to authorities.

In the alert, Nicholasville police said Cates left his home and that the department is working to locate him as quickly as possible. Golden Alerts are typically used by law enforcement agencies to help find children or vulnerable adults who may be at risk due to specific needs or circumstances.

The department did not describe details in the initial alert about how Cates left the residence or the amount of time that passed before family members reported him missing. Police also did not provide additional information in the report about where Cates was last seen beyond the home area on Imperial Pointe.

Nicholasville police urged residents to remain alert and to contact law enforcement if they see Cates or have any information that could help locate him. The alert, according to WKYT, is intended to broaden public awareness so community members can assist in the search while officers pursue investigative steps.

Because Cates is described as neurodivergent in the Golden Alert notice, the department’s request reflects the potential for confusion or danger when a person with specific needs leaves a familiar environment without supervision. Officials commonly emphasize that sightings and tips can be time-sensitive during these incidents.

The Golden Alert remains active as police continue their efforts to locate Cates. Residents who may have nearby cameras, doorbell systems, or other relevant information in the Imperial Pointe area are expected to be among those who could provide leads to investigators.

No information was provided in the initial report about the outcome of the search or whether Cates had been found as of the time the alert was issued.

Anyone with information is directed to contact Nicholasville police or emergency services, according to the alert guidance described by WKYT.

Why It Matters

  • Golden Alerts are designed to speed up public assistance when a child or vulnerable person leaves home, which can reduce the time between disappearance and discovery.
  • The alert centers on the Imperial Pointe neighborhood, making local community awareness a key part of the search and potentially affecting nearby residents and businesses.
  • Because Cates is described as neurodivergent, police guidance highlights the need for prompt reporting of sightings and tips rather than relying on general assumptions.
  • The incident increases pressure on local law enforcement and family resources while the search is underway, and it may lead to additional public updates if new information emerges.

Sources

Key Facts

  • Nicholasville police issued a Golden Alert on October 24, 2026 for 11-year-old Zander Cates.
  • Police said Cates eloped from his home on Imperial Pointe.
  • The alert describes Cates as neurodivergent.
  • Nicholasville police asked residents to watch for Cates and report sightings or information to authorities.
  • The alert was reported by WKYT on October 24, 2026.