Missing Texarkana child found safe

TEXARKANA, Ark. (KSLA) – Multiple agencies across Arkansas and Texas spent Friday morning (June 14) searching for a missing toddler. Police received a call shortly before 7 a.m. that a 3-year-old boy was missing.

“The mother woke up this morning and noticed he was not in the house. Like I said, he apparently unlocked the front door and left on his own,” said Captain Jeff Gladden of the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD).

For nearly five hours, teams searched the scene with drones and dogs. Police said the child was found wandering in a parking lot not far from his family's apartment.

“He was just walking. He did not appear to have any injuries. He is in a good mood. He is currently with his mother and is being evaluated by LifeNet,” said TAPD spokesperson Kristen Schultz.

The search was centered around the Links at Texarkana apartment complex. A large pond and nearby woods were a major concern for police.

“We had drones and we were getting ready for the dive team to come out. We had three dogs that took turns on the north side and the south side of the building,” Schultz explained.

Schultz says they are grateful for the overwhelming support from other agencies.

“These types of incidents are always learning experiences. How can we work with other agencies, build on their tools and use their tools? ” she says.

Police are not saying how or where the youth was spending his time while missing, but said he was happy to be home.

“He had a toy in his hand and he was smiling and hugging his mom,” Schultz said of the young boy.

The toddler was examined at the scene and then transferred to a local hospital for further evaluation.

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