Missing Child Results In Program’s Calls

HOUSTON COUNTY - An 8-year-old local child is now home safely after being reported missing at about 11 a.m. Monday.

According to Houston County Sheriff’s Office officials, deputies were dispatched on Dec. 5 after receiving a phone call stating the child was missing and last seen on County Road 2000 near Highway 7.

“Many of the citizens that were within a 15 miles radius of the area where the child went missing received a phone call reporting the missing child,” a press release from the sheriff’s office stated.

More than 1,800 calls were sent out as part of the sheriff’s office’s partnership with the “A Child is Missing” program.

“The call is to make the community aware of the missing person and request their help by having them check buildings and cars on their property,” the press release stated.

A description of the child and the clothes they were last seen wearing is also given.

In Monday’s instance, the calls did not directly lead to the recovery of the child. However the child was found safe and unharmed shortly after they went out, and Sheriff Darrell Bobbitt said it brought awareness to the community about the program.

The program can also be used if an elderly person goes missing

“Sheriff Bobbitt stated that he wants the citizens of Houston County to be aware that the Sheriff’s Office has the capability to utilize this type of technology to help his office when these types of calls come in,” the press release stated.

Bobbitt said he’s thankful it’s something his office doesn’t have to utilize it much, but he is grateful that he has the ability to put into use when it is needed.