A 5-year-old child with autism was found safe by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Monday after wandering away from her Florida home into a wooded area.
Deputies rescued a 5-year-old little girl with autism on Monday after she wandered away from her Florida home into a wooded area.
According to NBC6 affiliate WESH who first reported the story, it was shortly after 5 p.m. Monday when the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office aviation unit was asked to assist deputies after the girl was reported missing.
By using a thermal imaging camera, the aviation unit was able to locate the missing child in under an hour, officials said. The camera showed her walking through a wooded area.
"[The deputies'] quick action saved the day, turning potential tragedy into a hopeful reunion," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Their dedication shows what service and protection are all about here at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office."
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The child had no reported injuries and was reunited with her family.
