Missing 5 year old with special needs located found in approximately 2 hours

12/29/2023

It's not an everyday occurrence that we encounter a feel good moment in law enforcement but today, was definitely a feel good day.

The NCSO responded to a missing five year old special needs child who had been missing approximately 30 minutes from a rural home on NW 1200 near Barry. The child was reported to have not been wearing shoes, socks and was without a jacket.

Numerous NCSO units responded into the area to establish a perimeter for search operations. We had drones from the NCSO and the Navarro County Emergency Management Coordinator on scene and scent specific tracking dogs from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Beto Unit were enroute.

I am more than happy and pleased to report that after missing for approximately two hours the child was located unharmed at an abandoned residence on NW 1200 by Deputy Rose Clark. I am proud of all officers involved and that I am able to report a successful outcome.

Again, it was a good day.

Sheriff Elmer Tanner