Child found dirty, but safe by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy

An autistic boy reported missing from his Cromwell home was found slightly dirty, but safe after he wandered away from home on Saturday.

According to a report by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Samuel Miller, 30, of East Camelot Lane in Cromwell, said he laid down with his 10-year-old son, Marcus, at about 6:15 a.m. Saturday. When he awoke at approximately 7:15 a.m., his son was missing.

Police were immediately notified and officers from the KCSD, Milford and Syracuse police departments were dispatched to the area to assist in a search. According to the police report, KCSD Deputy Chris Francis was en route when he saw a child, clothed only in a diaper, walking on the west side of Turkey Creek Road at Woody’s Lane, Syracuse.

Officer Francis exited his vehicle and approached the boy, who was nonverbal and “slightly dirty as well as sweaty.” Francis was able to walk the boy to the patrol car and get him inside. He offered the boy water and calmed him down until Turkey Creek Fire Territory EMS arrived and evaluated the boy.

Samuel Miller arrived on the scene as well and said it appeared Marcus was able to open the child proof lock on the home and exit the residence. The boy was released to his parents.