A child is safe and back with his family after going missing in the Scottdale area of Berrien County on Monday.
Berrien County Undersheriff Greg Sanders tells us the boy was reported missing about 4:15 p.m. and because it was cold and getting close to dusk, a massive police search ensued.
“It was for a 9-year-old boy that had ran from his family on the corner of Miners Road and M-139 while at the gas station, and lots of agencies responded with personnel to help us search that area,” Sanders said.
Sanders says Michigan State Police, the Benton Harbor Department of Public safety, several teams from the sheriff’s department, the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, and a private drone company all came forward to help.
The boy, who has a history of running off from his family and covering a lot of ground quickly, was found about a mile to the southeast about two hours after being reported missing. A state police trooper spotted him, but the child took off running and it took several officers to catch up. Sanders says the child had no apparent injuries.
Sanders thanked all who helped.
“I think that really represents what kind of community we live in when lots of people respond at a moment’s notice to pitch in and help look for a child.”
Sanders noted the sheriff’s department mounted division and multiple K9s were also involved in the search. He credited the hard work of all who responded with reuniting the boy with his family.
