Missing Fontana man with autism returns home

FONTANA, Calif. (KABC) -- The family of a 21-year-old Fontana man with autism who went missing for four days after being released from jail is planning to file a lawsuit against the authorities involved, their attorney said Saturday.

Antonio Thomas was arrested Monday after becoming agitated while officers performed a welfare check at his home. The department says Thomas was turned over to the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, where he was cited and released Tuesday around 3 a.m. from a detention center in Rancho Cucamonga.

The family filed a missing persons report on Friday. Triza Morris says her son was found Saturday morning in Lytle Creek.

His family did not release any further details about where Thomas had been, but said, "he is in shock and very tired."

Family attorney Ralph Rios said authorities knew about Thomas' disability and should have taken appropriate measures.

"We will be seeking a change in the way the sheriff's department handles and releases disabled persons. An Americans with Disability Act lawsuit will bring that change," Rios said.

He added, "As for Fontana Police Department, they cannot escape liability. They acted reckless and without justification and were responsible for Mr. Thomas' safety."