Lansing, Mich. – A 2-year-old child was found safe late Saturday evening after being reported missing in Jackson County. The Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety responded to the emergency call regarding the child’s disappearance, which was initially reported by the child’s family on Pheasant Run Dr. in Blackman Township.
The child had been last seen around 8:43 p.m., watching television inside the family’s home. However, it wasn’t until nearly an hour later that authorities were notified of the situation.
In response to the urgent call, law enforcement agencies quickly mobilized. The Blackman-Leoni K-9 unit, Michigan State Police (MSP) K-9 unit, and an MSP helicopter were all deployed to aid in the search efforts. Officers, along with volunteer community members, scoured the surrounding area, conducting a thorough search for the missing child.
At 11:33 p.m., nearly three hours after the child was last seen, a breakthrough came when an MSP trooper operating the helicopter spotted a heat signature in a ditch near the intersection of I-94 and Airport Rd. The child was found curled up in the ditch, wearing only a diaper. Fortunately, the child appeared unharmed.
Despite the harrowing circumstances, the child was immediately evaluated by paramedics and transported to Henry Ford Hospital by Jackson Community Ambulance for further evaluation. Authorities confirmed the child had not sustained any injuries.
The swift response from law enforcement and volunteers ultimately ensured the safe recovery of the young child, bringing much-needed relief to the family and community. The Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety expressed gratitude to all involved in the search, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in emergency situations.
As of now, the circumstances surrounding how the child ended up in the ditch remain unclear, but authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
