KOKOMO, Indiana — A 6-year-old boy with autism is recovering at an Indianapolis hospital after being pulled from a retention pond by Kokomo police officers on Sunday morning.
The Kokomo Police Department received a call around 9:30 a.m. on June 14 reporting the child missing from the 600 block of Elk Drive.
Officers immediately responded to the area and began searching for the boy.
Found in a Retention Pond Just Minutes Later
At 9:52 a.m. — just 22 minutes after the initial call — officers located the child in a retention pond north of Beachwalk Lane.
Police pulled the boy from the water and began life-saving measures on scene.
They were joined by personnel from the Kokomo Fire Department, Howard County Sheriff’s Department, and Community Howard Regional Health.
Child Transported to Indianapolis for Further Care
The boy was first taken to a local Kokomo hospital for immediate treatment.
He was then transferred to an Indianapolis hospital where he is currently receiving further care.
His current condition has not been publicly released by authorities.
Investigation Still Ongoing
The Kokomo Police Department confirmed the investigation into this incident remains active.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kokomo Police Department at 765-456-7017.
Children with autism are at significantly higher risk of wandering — a behavior known as elopement. Experts recommend that families and neighbors stay alert and act quickly when a child goes missing, as the first few minutes are often the most critical.
The quick response by multiple agencies likely made all the difference for this little boy and his family.
Do you think your neighborhood is prepared to respond if a child goes missing? Share your thoughts in the comments — this conversation could save a life.
