Dog Leads Kentucky Police to Missing 3-Year-Old

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In Louisville, Kentucky, a 3-year-old boy was reported missing on January 7. Officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department searched on foot, with a drone, and with an air unit, but it was a nearby resident's call about a child ringing her doorbell that led them to the boy, who was found safe inside a car in a nearby driveway. The key to finding the child was a dog that led the officers to the car.

Why it matters

The successful rescue highlights the importance of community involvement and the unexpected ways that animals can assist in emergency situations. It also underscores the challenges police face when responding to reports of missing children, especially very young ones.

The details

After the initial report of the missing child, officers searched the area extensively. They eventually learned that a nearby resident had seen the boy ringing her doorbell and running off. Following up, the woman said the boy had gone across the street to another house. As Officer Josh Thompson approached the house, a dog started walking with him. The dog then ran off the porch and led Thompson to the backyard, where the open back door drew their attention. The dog kept trying to draw their attention elsewhere, and when they were exiting the front, the dog ran back to a car in the driveway. Officer Jonathan Story followed the dog and found the 3-year-old boy inside the front seat, scared but safe.

• The incident occurred on January 7.
• This week, the Louisville Metro Police Department announced details of the incident on Facebook.

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