An 11-year-old boy with special needs, who went missing around noon Sunday, July 21,, was found alive in the woods near his home at Park Place Apartments in Liberty.
The boy, who reportedly is autistic, was located after a two-hour search by firefighters, police, and park employees.
According to Liberty Fire Chief Brian Hurst, the incident began when the boy had an argument with his mother and fled their home on foot.
He was later spotted running along the walking trails at the nearby city park, which prompted an immediate and coordinated search effort by local authorities.
Firefighters, police officers, and park staff quickly mobilized and began a thorough search of the area. Their efforts culminated in the discovery of the boy in the woods, sitting next to a mud hole. Chief Hurst reported that when the rescuers found the boy, he smiled at them, a moment of relief and joy for all.
“We are relieved that this search came to a happy conclusion,” Hurst said.