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Police: 2 missing men with special needs found unharmed

UPDATE -- 11:35 p.m., 10/15/2015: WASHINGTON -- Montgomery County police say Ratnofsky and Whetzel have both been found safe and unharmed. They were found in D.C., and have been returned home. PREVIOUS: 

WASHINGTON — Police in Montgomery County, Maryland are asking for help finding two missing men with special needs.

Jeffrey Ratnofsky, 34, of Darnestown, and Jacob Whetzel, 44, of Gaithersburg, were last seen around 11 a.m. Thursday at the Bowl America located at 1101 Clopper Rd. in Gaithersburg. The men were part of an organized field trip and did not get on the bus to return home.

Police say both men function on an 8-year-old level.

Ratnofsky is described as standing 5-feet-7-inches tall, weighing 215 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black sweatpants, a black fleece jacket and dark brown shoes.

Whetzel is described as standing 5-feet-4-inches tall, with a medium build, gray hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray and blue striped T-shirt and tennis shoes.

Jeffrey Ratnofsky, left, and Jacob Whetzel, right, were last seen Oct. 15, 2015 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (Courtesy Montgomery County Police Department)
Jeffrey Ratnofsky, left, and Jacob Whetzel, right, were last seen Oct. 15, 2015 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (Courtesy Montgomery County Police Department)

Both men are known to frequent the IHOP and Golden Bull restaurants in Gaithersburg, in addition to Metro stations. Police and family are concerned for their well-being.

If you have any information about the whereabouts of Ratnofsky or Whetzel, call the Montgomery County Police Department at 301-279-8000 or 911.

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