Search
Close this search box.

Non-verbal autistic child found safe thanks to Okaloosa Sheriff K9 and Deputy Patterson

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), K9 Beau and his handler, Deputy Tim Patterson, were instrumental in finding a missing non-verbal autistic child who had wandered away from his Crestview home on the evening of March 27, 2023. After receiving the report of the missing child, Deputy Patterson and K9 Beau were immediately dispatched to […]

OCSO

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), K9 Beau and his handler, Deputy Tim Patterson, were instrumental in finding a missing non-verbal autistic child who had wandered away from his Crestview home on the evening of March 27, 2023.

After receiving the report of the missing child, Deputy Patterson and K9 Beau were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving, the deputy instructed the family to provide a piece of clothing the child had worn earlier in the day. K9 Beau used his heightened sense of smell to track the scent of the child.

  • After just ten minutes of tracking, K9 Beau and Deputy Patterson were able to locate the little boy behind a house, standing in some bushes. The deputies quickly approached the child and returned him to his worried family, safe and sound.

This was K9 Beau’s first ‘official find’ for the OCSO, and he was met with praise, hugs, and a long drink of water upon his successful return. Deputy Patterson even went so far as to give K9 Beau a special treat of ham and bacon the next morning.

The OCSO has expressed their gratitude for the diligent work of K9 Beau and Deputy Patterson in bringing the child home safely. The Sheriff’s Office released a video of K9 Beau and Deputy Patterson in action, demonstrating the skill and dedication required for such a rescue.

Click here to watch

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
Respond
“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
Respond
“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
Respond
“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
Respond
“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
Respond
“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
Respond
“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
Respond
“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
Respond
“Where do you park? Should run a shuttle for HI owners”
Respond
“They have served great food items and the staff is friendly and ready to make the Sandpiper owners and guests feel welcome and appreciated! I heard the Saturday music is...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.