In the Quiet Streets of North St. Paul, a Community Holds Its Breath

Search Intensifies for 16-Year-Old Javonte Schoonmaker

NORTH ST. PAUL, Minnesota (March 3, 2026) — On a late winter afternoon, as light waned over quiet residential streets and snow-dusted lawns, 16-year-old Javonte Schoonmaker stepped onto his skateboard and into the uncertainty that has now gripped his family, friends and an entire community.

Police and loved ones alike describe Javonte’s disappearance as deeply out of character and potentially dangerous. Authorities from the North St. Paul Police Department issued an endangered youth alert after the teen was last seen about 3 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, departing a Maplewood residence on his skateboard toward nearby neighborhoods.

For his family, every minute since has been laden with growing fear and unanswered questions.

An Ordinary Afternoon That Turned Into a Mystery

Javonte had left what would become his last known location — a home in Maplewood that borders North St. Paul — on a routine Friday afternoon. He appeared calm and confident as he pushed off on his skateboard, the sun beginning its slow descent behind bare tree branches. He has not been seen or heard from since.

Police say Javonte has not been in contact with his family, and community members have reported an outpouring of concern on social media and local forums.

The North St. Paul Police Department confirmed that investigators have checked local surveillance footage, canvassed surrounding areas and are coordinating with neighboring agencies to broaden their search. Authorities say residents in North St. Paul, Maplewood and surrounding communities should review private security cameras and doorbell footage for any sign of a young person on a skateboard matching Javonte’s description on Friday afternoon.

A Description Shared in Hope

To aid in locating him, police released the following identifying details:

• Name: Javonte Schoonmaker
• Age: 16
• Height: 5 feet 3 inches
• Weight: 150 pounds
• Hair: Recently shaved, described as bald
• Eyes: Brown
• Last Seen Wearing: A white T-shirt, black sweatshirt, black athletic pants, and a silver cross necklace, a distinctive accessory reported at the time he vanished.

Family members and advocates have also noted that Javonte may be experiencing a mental health crisis, urging anyone who sees him not to approach directly but immediately call law enforcement.

A Family’s Agony, A Community’s Vigil

In the tight-knit neighborhoods of North St. Paul and Maplewood, residents are combing yards, scanning digital maps, and sharing fliers at bus stops and grocery stores. On community message boards, neighbors plead for any information that might illuminate Javonte’s trail. Some friends share memories of school hallways and weekend hangouts; others cling to hope that he will be found safe.

“It just doesn’t feel real,” one resident wrote. “We want him home.”

Police emphasize that any piece of information, however small, can be critical. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

If You Have Seen Javonte

Anyone with information on Javonte’s whereabouts is asked to contact the North St. Paul Police Department at 651-747-2406, or call 911 immediately if you believe you have a time-sensitive sighting.

MinneapoliMedia