Missing Toddler And Mother Found Safe: Police

RUSKIN, FL — A toddler and his mom who were possibly missing from the Ruskin area since July 29 have been located and are safe, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office tweeted on Tuesday morning.

Police were searching on Monday for a missing toddler and his mother who were last seen in the Ruskin area on July 29, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office news release said.

Clayton Cunningham, 1, and his mother, Marissa Lawrence, 27, were last seen in the area of 19th Avenue Northeast and N Tamiami Trail, and no one had seen or heard from them since July 29, said authorities.

HCSO had obtained a court-authorized order to take the child into custody.

"Time is of the essence when it comes to missing persons cases like this one," said Sheriff Chad Chronister in an earlier news release. "Our goal here at the sheriff's office is to always safely bring home those who are missing to their loved ones. I urge anyone out there with information to contact us, because it may just be the clue we need to bring Clayton and his mother home."

Police have not released further details, just that they are safe.

Related story: Missing Toddler And Missing Mom Last Seen In Ruskin: Police