Officers were worried about the boy’s safety as the temperature had dipped into the 30’s, he was reportedly without a shirt or shoes, had been exposed to the elements for more than 6 hours
On Saturday (March 8) just after midnight, officers from the Battle Ground Police Department responded to a disturbance in the 1700 block of SW 9th Avenue. The incident involved a severely autistic 14-year-old boy that had left his home, and his parents that had spent hours trying to find him.
The boy’s parents were finally able to locate him near the Battle Ground Cinema. When they encountered their son, a dispute ensued, and the boy fled across State Route 503 and into the heavy brush nearby.
Battle Ground police officers attempted to search the dense brush for the juvenile but ran into many inaccessible areas. Officers were worried about the boy’s safety as the temperature had dipped into the 30’s, he was reportedly without a shirt or shoes, had been exposed to the elements for more than 6 hours, and was next to the busy highway.
Several officers from the Ridgefield Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist with the search. A search area was quickly established and a drone, equipped with a thermal camera, was deployed in an attempt to locate the boy. Officers were able to identify a heat signature and the child was found, hiding in a bush, cold but unharmed. Medical personnel responded to the scene to provide care.
The Battle Ground Police Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Ridgefield Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for their prompt response and assistance. The combined efforts from the trio of law enforcement agencies led to the safe outcome in this situation.
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to wander from their safe environments. The Battle Ground Police Department emphasizes the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately if a child goes missing so officers can respond and assist in the search.
Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.
-
Battle Ground shooting suspect arrested, second suspect still outstanding
Theodore Seaman, 44, was arrested for Drive-By Shooting; a second suspect fled on foot and has not been located. -
High school football: Odd schedule leads to early start to league play in 4A GSHL
The 4A GSHL’s six-game schedule forces all four teams to play each other twice, a first since 2015. -
High school football: Skyview takes down Camas for first win in rivalry since 2011
Adarius Sparrow caught three touchdown passes, including two in the fourth quarter, to seal Skyview’s 38-21 win over Camas. -
Camas School District Legislative Advocacy Committee to host Candidate Forum
Six candidates from two federal and state districts will answer education questions at Discovery High School on Oct. 5. -
Vehicle drives into Camas townhouse
A vehicle backing into a parking stall jumped a curb and struck a Camas townhouse, causing extensive damage but no injuries. -
Business profile: Cowlitz Indian Tribe now running the steakhouse at ilani, ‘Sovereign’
Sovereign, the new fine-dining steakhouse at ilani, marks a major milestone in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s move toward self-operating all restaurants at the casino. -
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Amtrak’s 300-passenger Airo trains debut Sept. 30 on Cascades route, adding seats but not speed or frequency.