Note: This story was updated at 12:50 p.m. May 7.
A four-year-old boy reported missing with a family dog was found Friday afternoon after a four-hour search and help from a CodeRED alert, authorities said.
Anderson County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a report of a missing child at a home on Hinds Creek Road shortly before 11 a.m. Friday, Anderson County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Mark Lucas said.
“A four-year-old boy had wandered away from home apparently with the family dog,” Lucas said. “An intensive search began using Sheriff’s Department K-9 teams, including bloodhounds. A Blount County Sheriff’s K-9 bloodhound also responded to assist.”
Emergency personnel from the Andersonville Fire Department, Norris Fire Department, Claxton Fire Department, Clinton Fire Department, Clinton Police Department, Anderson County Rescue Squad, Anderson County Emergency Management, and Anderson County EMS came to the scene and helped with the search, both on foot and by using ATVs, Lucas said.
Knox County Sheriff’s Airwatch helicopter searched as well.
Anderson County Sheriff’s Communications sent a CodeRED alert to residents living in the area to inform them of the missing child, Lucas said.
The search continued until about 3 p.m., when a resident of Hickory Valley Road called to report the child (with the dog) came to his home and knocked on the door. The resident had received the CodeRED notification of the missing child, Lucas said. Deputies and EMS responded there and found the child to be safe and sound with only minor scratches. He was checked by EMS (emergency medical services) and returned home.
“Our thanks to the many emergency responders from law enforcement, fire, rescue, and EMS who came to assist in the search,” Lucas said.
Hinds Creek Road is east of Interstate 75.
Here’s a Friday evening update from Lucas:
There were about 30 law enforcement officers who responded to help with the search. Anderson County Sheriff’s Department deputies (including those from the Transportation Unit and the Detention Facility), along with investigators and the command staff, all assisted at the scene. Personnel from the Clinton Police Department and a K-9 from Blount County Sheriff’s Office also came to assist. Knox County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit sent a helicopter to aid in the search.
There were around 25 responders from the local fire departments, rescue squad, emergency management, and EMS that assisted as well. These included Anderson County EMS, Anderson County Emergency Management, Anderson County Rescue Squad, Andersonville Fire Department, Claxton Fire Department, Norris Fire Department, and Clinton Fire Department.
“We are thankful that the child was found safe and grateful for all of the assistance we received from our local public safety agencies,” Lucas said. “There were citizens who lived nearby also offered their help if so needed. We appreciate all the support from our community.”
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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