Missing Man Found Thanks to Halifax County K9 and Deputies

Teamwork between deputies and a determined K-9 led to a successful rescue.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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On Sunday, deputies with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a missing 21-year-old autistic man who had wandered off from his home. K9 Phoebe and deputies Wilborne and Clark worked together to track the man in a wooded area and nearby powerline corridor, leading to his safe recovery less than two hours later.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of well-trained K9 units and coordinated law enforcement efforts in search and rescue operations, especially for vulnerable individuals like those with autism who may wander from home. The successful outcome underscores the value of community policing and the life-saving role K9s can play.

The details

According to the Halifax County Sheriff's Office, the search began around 2:31 p.m. on Sunday after deputies responded to a report of a missing 21-year-old autistic man. K9 Phoebe led deputies Wilborne and Clark on a track through a wooded area and into a nearby powerline corridor, where the dog showed strong indications that the missing man was nearby. Less than two hours later, the man was found safe.

  • The search began around 2:31 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
  • The missing man was found less than two hours later.

The players

K9 Phoebe

A K9 unit with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office who assisted in the search and rescue operation.

Deputy Wilborne

A deputy with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office who participated in the search and rescue effort.

Deputy Clark

A deputy with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office who participated in the search and rescue effort.

The missing 21-year-old autistic man

The individual who had wandered off from his home and was the subject of the search and rescue operation.

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What they’re saying

“The Halifax County Sheriff's Office commends the coordinated teamwork, professionalism and dedication of Deputy Wilborne, Deputy Clark and K-9 Phoebe, whose combined efforts led to a positive and safe outcome.”

— Halifax County Sheriff's Office (wset.com)

The takeaway

This successful search and rescue operation demonstrates the vital role that K9 units and coordinated law enforcement efforts can play in locating missing individuals, especially those with special needs. The teamwork and dedication of the deputies and K9 Phoebe helped ensure a positive outcome and the safe return of the missing man to his family.