CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A 12-year-old boy who disappeared from his home in rural Ross County on Saturday night was found safe on Sunday morning, authorities said.
The boy was reported missing by his parents around 10 p.m. on Saturday after he allegedly ran away from their home on Edgington Road. Deputies from the Ross County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and conducted a search of the area, with assistance from an Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter and a K-9 tracking team.
The search was initially unsuccessful, with law enforcement concerned for his safety due to the heavily wooded terrain surrounding the home.
On Sunday morning, the boy was found safe at his home, after a man called dispatch to report that he had picked up the boy in South Salem and dropped him off near his residence.
The boy told deputies that he woke up in an abandoned house in South Salem and walked home from there, but later admitted that he had been given a ride. He was unable to explain how he got to South Salem or who he was with.
The boy was taken to Adena Greenfield Medical Center for evaluation and was later released. Authorities say the boy will face charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing official business in juvenile court.
EDITOR’S NOTE: All information in this story came directly from the report provided by the sheriff’s office. Any discrepancies should be directed to the reporting agency.