An 11-year-old boy with autism was found wandering along a freeway after disappearing from a supermarket in Santee, San Diego. The incident occurred on March 9, just before 4:30 p.m., when the child, who is nonverbal, ran away from his family at a supermarket on Mission Gorge Road. Authorities were alerted, and a search operation was initiated by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. The boy’s identity has not been revealed to the public for privacy reasons.
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During the search, off-duty Sheriff’s Dispatcher Shiloh Corbet spotted a boy matching the missing child’s description running along Mast Boulevard near the State Route 52 on-ramp. Corbet acted swiftly, contacting the Sheriff’s Communications Center and following the child as he made his way onto the freeway. She kept the child’s safety in mind, communicating his location to on-duty deputies who were being directed to the scene.
When deputies arrived, they tried to communicate with the child from below an overpass, but he began running along the busy freeway. Deputies Cody Green and Michael Moser did not hesitate to jump over the guardrail and successfully caught up with the child, escorting him to safety. Fortunately, there were no injuries during the incident, and the boy was reunited with his family thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, including Corbet, Green, and Moser.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude towards everyone involved in the rescue operation, including the Santee Sheriff’s Station, Lakeside Sheriff’s Substation, Sheriff’s ASTREA, Sheriff’s Communications Center, and several Good Samaritans. This heartwarming outcome underscores the importance of community cooperation in times of crisis, especially when vulnerable individuals like children with autism are involved.
As April is recognised as Autism Acceptance Month, the Sheriff’s Office took the opportunity to raise awareness about resources available for individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. They highlighted the Take Me Home Program, a free service designed to assist caregivers and individuals who may wander away or get lost. This initiative aims to provide support and ensure the safety of those who require special attention and care.
The successful rescue of the 11-year-old boy serves as a reminder of the dedication and quick thinking exhibited by first responders and community members in ensuring the well-being of vulnerable individuals. By working together and leveraging available resources, a potentially dangerous situation was resolved swiftly and without harm. The incident highlights the importance of awareness, preparedness, and swift action when responding to emergencies involving individuals with special needs.
In a world where community support and swift response are vital in ensuring the safety of every individual, this story stands as a testament to the impact of proactive intervention. As we navigate through challenging circumstances, it is heartening to witness acts of compassion and bravery that lead to positive outcomes, reminding us of the power of unity in safeguarding the well-being of all members of society.