NEW LENOX, IL — A 5-year-old boy reported to emergency dispatch as missing from a New Lenox residence Monday evening was actually found safe inside the home, New Lenox police said.
A scanner recording and a screenshot of AI-generated summary of a dispatch call about the boy reportedly missing from a home on Bentley Road was shared in local social media groups Monday night. The unconfirmed report triggered concern among those who'd seen it.
"... New Lenox units were requested for a report of a missing 5-year-old boy last seen about 40 minutes earlier near Bentley Rd.," the text reads. "The child was described as a Black male with black hair and brown eyes; clothing was unknown. The caller was checking the residence for him."
The text notes the information as "not official report. AI-generated text based on publicly available dispatch audio." It encourages viewers to verify the information with official sources.
Patch contacted New Lenox Police Chief Micah Nuesse, who said early Tuesday that police responded to the call, and the boy had been located inside the home before officers arrived.
"We would encourage the public to avoid drawing immediate conclusions or having strong reactions based solely on AI-generated text without first confirming the facts," Nuesse told Patch. "Initial automated information may lack context, contain errors, and could be delayed. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding any incident, citizens should contact the police department directly and rely on official statements and verified records."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
New Lenox, IL Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.