Hero Dog Leads Police to Missing Boy in Louisville

Collie mix dog guides officers to child locked in car after parents reported him missing.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Louisville Metro Police officers were searching for a missing 3-year-old boy when an unexpected canine companion arrived and helped lead them to the child, who was found locked inside a car in a nearby backyard. The dog, dubbed "Lassie" by the officers, appeared to be signaling to the car where the boy was located, ultimately helping to reunite the child with his relieved family.

Why it matters

The story highlights the remarkable abilities of dogs to assist in search and rescue operations, even when human efforts have so far been unsuccessful. It also underscores the importance of community vigilance and the role bystanders can play in helping locate missing persons.

The details

Officers were searching for the missing boy after his parents reported him missing. Despite using a drone and conducting aerial searches, they were unable to find the child. That's when a collie mix dog arrived on the scene and started barking at one of the officers, as if urging him to follow. The dog led the officer around the backyard, to a home with an open back door. While the officers didn't find the child inside, the dog then directed them to a car parked nearby, where they discovered the 3-year-old boy locked inside, scared but unharmed.

  • On January 7, the 3-year-old boy was reported missing by his parents.
  • The dog arrived and helped lead police to the missing boy later that same day.

The players

Louisville Metro Police

The local law enforcement agency in Louisville, Kentucky that responded to the report of the missing child.

Collie Mix Dog

An unidentified dog that appeared on the scene and helped guide police to the location of the missing boy.

Missing 3-Year-Old Boy

The child who was reported missing by his parents and ultimately found locked inside a car in a nearby backyard, thanks to the assistance of the dog.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It led me all the way back to the backyard. And at this point, I'm thinking, 'OK, this kid is in this backyard. That's why it's got me there.'”

— Unnamed Officer (WAVE/Gray News)

“He hit the door latch and I just gave the yank motion. And he yanked, and I pulled that door open quickly, and I don't think I've ever seen a happier kid in my life.”

— Unnamed Officer (WAVE/Gray News)

“Lassie found him.”

— Unnamed Officer (WAVE/Gray News)

What’s next

The Louisville Metro Police Department plans to recognize the heroic dog that assisted in locating the missing child at an upcoming community event.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible abilities of dogs to aid in search and rescue operations, and the importance of community vigilance in helping to locate missing persons. It highlights the value of working together, both human and canine, to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of a community.