A 3-year-old who disappeared while playing outside with the family dog was found safe more than a mile from home at night after a search in New York.
Forest rangers, New York State Police, firefighters and a county drone team responded to the search in the town of Independence, Allegany County, after the child was reported missing around 7:09 p.m. on May 8, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The child’s mother told rescuers the child had been outside with the family dog near County Route 22 when she before she could no longer see them. Family members began searching the area before emergency crews arrived.
Forest rangers joined New York State Police and local responders in searching nearby roads, ponds, wooded areas and structures on neighboring properties. The Allegany County Drone Team also assisted in the search effort.
At about 9 p.m., a neighbor driving on Hawks Road discovered the child and dog together in a field along the edge of the road approximately 1.4 miles from the family’s home, according to the DEC.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated the child at the scene before the child was reunited with family members. Officials did not report any serious injuries.
The DEC did not release the child’s name.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Missing 3-year-old found safe with family dog
Reporting by Ryan Miller, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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