A 12-year-old child was found in a wooded area by a Lake County sheriff’s canine following an extensive search hours after the juvenile went missing near Zion.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6:30 p.m. Monday to the 42300 block of North Kilbourne Road in unincorporated Zion for a report of a missing person.
Sheriff’s officials said a 12-year-old boy went missing and deputies began a search for him.
Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Lowe and partner Canine Loki were called to assist.
An extensive search of the residence and the surrounding area was conducted, including with a drone.
Canine Loki began tracking through a heavily wooded area, sheriff’s officials said.
Loki alerted to a person in thick brush nearby, leading deputies to the missing child. The child had been missing for over four hours.
He was safe and reunited with his family. “Missing child safely located thanks to the teamwork of our deputies and K9 Loki.”
The sheriff’s office said the successful outcome was made possible by the “dedication, persistence, and teamwork of our deputies and K9 team.”
“We’re grateful for everyone who played a role in bringing this young man home safely. Good boy, Loki!” the sheriff’s office said.
Loki graduated from an eight-week initial course at Tops Kennel in Grayslake and began patrol with Lowe in June 2023.