Sheriff Scott Keeler is thrilled to announce that the missing toddler was found and returned safely to the family:

Sheriff Keeler also wishes to express his sincere appreciation to all the agencies, and volunteer civilians, assisting with the search and rescue of the recovered child:

St. Clair County Dispatch, St. Clair County deputies responding while off duty, Appleton City Fire Department and Appleton City First Responders, Taberville Fire Department and Taberville First Responders, Roscoe Fire Department and Roscoe First Responders, Ellett Memorial Hospital Ambulance and medical team(s), Sac Osage Fire Department and Sac Osage First Responders, Lowry City Fire Department and Lowry City First Responders, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Rescue, Missouri State Highway Patrol Helicopter, Missouri Conservation Agents, CMH Ambulance and medical team, Osceola Police Department, Lowry City Police Department, El Dorado Springs Fire Department and First Responders, and all other volunteer civilians.

Synopsis:

On Saturday, October 31, 2020 approximately 1113 hours St. Clair County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a 18 month old male child wondered off from the family at their hunting cabin located in St. Clair County in the 1200 block of SW Y Highway. The reporting party, father of the missing child, states the child was last seen by the paternal grandfather approximately 1010 hours. The family initiated a quick search then called 911 to report the missing child.

The St. Clair County Sheriff's deputy arrived on scene approximately 1120 hours. Other responding units began arriving shortly thereafter. MSHP offered the assistance of a helicopter and was dispatched immediately. While the helicopter was en route, a search team was deployed while more units were still arriving on scene. Volunteers were driving roads, riding horseback and ATVs, and on foot began a grid search of the dense woods surrounding the cabin.

After all units were on scene, the impromptu search team(s) were recalled to organize a grid search with all hands. At approximately 1335 hours the helicopter team spotted the red and black flannel pajamas last known to be worn by the juvenile. Search crews on hand immediately dispatched to the area approximately 500 yards north of the cabin. The child was found sleeping peacefully.

The juvenile was immediately re-united with the parents, and medically cleared by the units on scene.