Richmond police ask for help in search for missing teen Antoine Whittley

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) -- Richmond Police released more details Friday about the night a teenager disappeared last week and put out a plea for the public's help.

Antoine Whittley, 17, has not been seen since Wednesday night, February 10.

Police say he and a friend took hallucinogenic drugs and that Antoine was acting paranoid. Antoine then ordered a ride share to take him home. That driver has told police he was worried about Antoine's behavior.

"While he was driving on Interstate 580, he became concerned about Antoine's behavior in the backseat of his car and he got to the point where he was actually watching him in the rearview mirror and missed the Point Richmond exit. This caused the rideshare driver to end up going onto the Richmond San Rafael Bridge," Sgt. Aaron Pomeroy said.

The driver told police he explained the mistake to Antoine and said he would have to cross the bridge and then turn around.

"While on the bridge, Antoine accused the driver of kidnapping him, and physically attacked the driver while on the bridge. He asked the driver to stop his car, which the driver initially refused and said let me take you to the other side of the bridge, but due to the assault that was occurring at the time, the driver made the decision to stop the car, midspan. Antoine physically climbed over the driver and exited out the driver's door of the vehicle," Sgt. Pomeroy said.

Antoine then called his friend, KJ.

"Antoine stated that he was on the bridge and said, told KJ, that they were trying to kidnap me, and I am walking on the bridge now. He also told KJ, I may have to jump off. Those were the last words that KJ heard from Antoine, the phone disconnected," Sgt. Pomeroy.

Antoine's family was at the Friday press conference and asked investigators if the driver is a suspect. Police said he is not.

"The case is being investigated as a missing person. There is no evidence that Antoine was the victim of any crime at this time," Sgt. Pomeroy said.

Antoine's family says this is very out of character for him, and they think there could be more to the story. They are asking for the public's help in finding him.

Investigators say they search the shoreline every day for Antoine.

They are asking anyone with information in the case to call 510-621-1276.

The police department is offering a $10,000 reward for his safe return.