Autistic 8-Year-Old Found Safe By Police After Muddy Search In Vernon

VERNON, CT — An 8-year-old autistic child, who was reported missing Wednesday morning, was found safe after Vernon police searched what they termed "challenging terrain" near the child's home, authorities said.

At one point during the search, officers were waist-deep in swampy, muddy terrain, said Capt. Robert Marra of the Vernon Police Department.

Police said officers were called to the Sleeping Giant Apartment complex on Hartford Turnpike at about 7 a.m. after the child's parents reported the child missing. Investigators believe the child had left the residence several hours before the parents realized the child was gone, according to an incident report.

Officers immediately began a coordinated search of the area. Police said a heavy rainstorm limited investigators' ability to determine the direction of travel for the child.

The child was eventually found in a swampy area near the home — behind an adjacent strip plaza — and officers were able to safely reach the child while slogging through the mucky terrain and bring the child to safety, according to an incident report.

Emergency medical personnel evaluated the child at the scene. Police said the child did not require transportation to a hospital.