Missing teen Nick Pratico was planning for future, wouldn’t risk it, sister says
HAMILTON (Mercer) — A week after he disappeared, police have released new photos of Nick Pratico.
The photos, taken by surveillance cameras at Mercer County Community College, show the 18-year-old last Wednesday afternoon, the last time he was seen.
Pratico was picking up his ID and signing up for some classes at the Welcome Center inside the student center, according to Hamilton Police Sgt. Brian Schroder. Pratico graduated from Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville this past spring.
Schroder said the people who interacted with Pratico did not detect any signs of worry or concern.
Pratico was dropped off on the West Windsor campus by a family member and was going to be picked up a pre-arranged time, authorities have said. A family member called police last Wednesday night when he did not return home on his own.
Police said he may have headed for Times Square or the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts at 39 W 19th Street in Manhattan.
Police also asked especially anyone who rode public transportation in the area of the school or was on campus to take another look at Pratico's picture.
"Nick is a really good kid," his older sister told New Jersey 101.5. Her family asked that her name not be published to protect her privacy.
She said Nick Pratico had already been offered a scholarship at the NY Conservatory and was going to start classes in the spring. She said he was starting his college career slowly by attending some classes at Mercer.
"It would be the first time he would be on his own doing something with that much responsibility," his sister said.
His sister said the judges at his audition were impressed with his talent and his ability to accept criticism.
"He was preparing for his future and wouldn't do anything to jeopardize his future. There was no reason to think he would run away," she said.
On the Find Nick Pratico Facebook page, his family posted a message for the missing teen. .
"You are the light in our lives and in everyone’s life that you come across," the family wrote. "We hope that those big, wondrous brown eyes of yours are still filled with wonder and magic. We want to know that you are safe. You are a son, a brother, a grandson, a cousin, a nephew, a friend, a best friend, a teammate, a fellow performer, a leader, a child at heart, a lover, and most importantly a fighter. We just want to know that you are okay. And we want to know that you are fighting, if you need to be. Every hour of every day has been spent thinking about you and praying for you."
Police asked anyone with information about Nick Pratico's whereabouts should call 609-581-4000.
Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.
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