Search ends for missing 3-year-old boy, South Carolina police say
An extensive search for a missing child, that included multiple law enforcement agencies, came to a happy conclusion Monday night, the Chapin Police Department said.
The missing 3-year-old child was found in good health and reunited with his family, police said Tuesday in a news release.
At about 9 p.m., police responded to a call about a missing toddler in the Firebridge subdivision, according to the release.
Police said they learned that the child was last seen playing in the backyard of his family’s home, and began searching inside and outside the residence, as well as in neighboring yards and further out in the subdivision.
Officers also established a perimeter and received help from other law enforcement agencies, including the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the Lexington County Fire Service, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the FBI, according to the release.
In addition to the large presence of law enforcement officers, the search also included police dogs, drones and a helicopter, police said.
After “an intensive search lasting over an hour,” the “well-rested” child was found sleeping under outdoor patio cushions on the back porch of the home, according to the release.
Police said young children can often fall asleep in unexpected places, and many missing children are often found within the home.
“We are grateful for this positive outcome and thankful the child was found quickly and safely,” Chapin Police Chief Thomas Griffin said in the release. “It was a concerning situation for law enforcement and, more importantly, for the parents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Chapin community and the Firebridge subdivision residents for their cooperation during the search.”
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This story was originally published July 30, 2024 at 8:34 AM with the headline "Search ends for missing 3-year-old boy, South Carolina police say."
