LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. — A missing 2-year-old child was found safe in a heavily wooded area thanks to the quick response and coordination of law enforcement and a skilled K9 unit.

The child had wandered away and was missing for roughly an hour and a half before being located. Body camera footage released by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office begins 15 minutes into the search, showing Corporal McPike identifying a footprint and a paw print. This discovery led to the deployment of Deputy Rumple and K9 Nicky, who successfully tracked the child through dense terrain.

The search team — including Corporal McPike, Staff Sgt. Gugliano, Deputy Rumple, Deputy Williams, and Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Bochucinski — followed the track for about 10 minutes before hearing the child crying. The child was found near a creek, approximately 700 yards from the point last seen. Trooper Bochucinski carried the child to safety. The child was uninjured.

The Sheriff’s Office praised the teamwork and professionalism of all involved, as well as the tracking abilities of K9 Nicky. The child’s family later visited the office to thank deputies and brought gifts for the K9.

Source: Lincoln County MO Sheriff’s Office