Teamwork leads to safe recovery of BG teen

A coordinated search effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies led to the safe recovery of a missing autistic teen in Battle Ground after he had been exposed to the cold for over six hours. File photo

Officers were worried about the boy’s safety as the temperature had dipped into the 30’s, he was reportedly without a shirt or shoes, had been exposed to the elements for more than 6 hours

On Saturday (March 8) just after midnight, officers from the Battle Ground Police Department responded to a disturbance in the 1700 block of SW 9th Avenue. The incident involved a severely autistic 14-year-old boy that had left his home, and his parents that had spent hours trying to find him.

The boy’s parents were finally able to locate him near the Battle Ground Cinema. When they encountered their son, a dispute ensued, and the boy fled across State Route 503 and into the heavy brush nearby.

Battle Ground police officers attempted to search the dense brush for the juvenile but ran into many inaccessible areas. Officers were worried about the boy’s safety as the temperature had dipped into the 30’s, he was reportedly without a shirt or shoes, had been exposed to the elements for more than 6 hours, and was next to the busy highway.

Several officers from the Ridgefield Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist with the search. A search area was quickly established and a drone, equipped with a thermal camera, was deployed in an attempt to locate the boy. Officers were able to identify a heat signature and the child was found, hiding in a bush, cold but unharmed. Medical personnel responded to the scene to provide care.

The Battle Ground Police Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Ridgefield Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for their prompt response and assistance. The combined efforts from the trio of law enforcement agencies led to the safe outcome in this situation.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to wander from their safe environments. The Battle Ground Police Department emphasizes the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately if a child goes missing so officers can respond and assist in the search.

Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.