On January 24th, at approximately 2:54 a.m., Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in a rural neighborhood north of Chino Valley, after a homeowner reported that a 12-year-old boy, whom they did not recognize, had arrived at their home. The child appeared disoriented and was suffering from the cold.
Through investigation and prior knowledge of the child, deputies quickly identified the boy, who they knew had autism. He had been staying overnight at a friend’s house when he decided he wanted to return to his own home. Although he left without waking or verbally notifying anyone, the thoughtful child left a note explaining his departure before walking out alone. He became lost and cold during the journey and eventually sought help at the reporting party’s residence.
Deputies requested medical personnel to evaluate the child on scene, and he was medically cleared. Deputies then located the boy’s parents and safely returned him to their care.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has extended its sincere thanks to the alert and compassionate citizen who took the child in and promptly contacted law enforcement.
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