Michigan State Police (MSP) successfully located and rescued a missing two-year-old boy late Sunday evening thanks to advanced heat-detecting technology.
The dramatic search, documented in video footage shared by MSP on Facebook, began after the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety (BLDPS) received a report of a missing toddler. The child was last seen watching television with his family around 8:43 p.m. in their living room.
A 911 call regarding the missing boy arrived approximately an hour later, prompting a swift and extensive response from multiple agencies. These efforts included:
- The Blackman-Leoni K-9 unit
- An MSP K-9 unit
- MSP Aviation (helicopter)
- Officers from various departments
- Numerous volunteers conducting ground searches
“We’re going to be south of the apartment, just north of the freeway… In a ditch. I can’t tell if it’s an animal or a child,” one MSP trooper communicated over police radio during the search.
The coordinated effort continued for nearly two hours before MSP Aviation utilized heat-seeking technology to pinpoint the boy’s location near Interstate 94. The toddler was discovered curled up in a ditch, wearing only a diaper.
According to an MSP Facebook post, the child was located “within 15 minutes” of using this specialized equipment.
As described by MSP officials, “Trooper 2 directed ground units to the child, who was conscious and alert and did not appear injured.” The video shows officers providing comfort as they guided the boy towards a waiting ambulance.
The toddler was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he was reported to be in good condition.
Authorities have yet to provide further comment on this incident.
