WAPELLO COUNTY – A missing 13-year-old child was found in Wapello County this week.

According to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, the child was reported missing on February 3 at approximately 8:08pm. It was determined that the child had walked away from their residence approximately one hour prior to being reported missing. Family members were concerned as the child had not returned and could not be located.

Authorities initiated an immediate investigation and search. The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Wapello County Rural Fire Department, Wapello County Emergency Management, and the Ottumwa Police Department.

At around 10:30pm, a concerned citizen contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report seeing a younger child walking near Highway 34 around mile marker 191. Search personnel responded to the area and began searching immediately, though the child was not located at that time.

Then at approximately 10:50pm, a Deputy utilizing a thermal imaging device located the child in a nearby tree line. Contact was made with the child who explained he had got lost. The child was safely recovered and transported back to his residence by law enforcement.

The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office said that they would like to thank the concerned citizen who reported suspicious activity, and they reminded the public to contact authorities when something does not feel right.

The public is also reminded that the Sheriff’s Office offers an anonymous crime tip line for those who do not wish to provide their name. Tips are received through this service daily, and the Sheriff’s Office says it has proven to be instrumental.