Atlanta police successfully rescued a missing 5-year-old autistic boy on November 15 after he wandered away from Peachtree Ridge Park. Officers from the Central Precinct responded to the call and began an immediate search.

Approximately 40 minutes into the operation, Officer Hugley noticed that a fence surrounding a retention pond had been pulled up. Acting on instinct, he crawled under the fence and checked a nearby sewer drain, calling out to the boy and receiving a response.

Officer Nunez arrived and entered the sewer, crawling several hundred feet into the drain until locating the child. Meanwhile, Lt. Huggins identified the nearest drain cover and directed the officers to the boy’s location. The team worked together efficiently to ensure the child’s safety.

The boy was safely removed from the storm drain without any injuries. Authorities praised the officers’ quick thinking, coordination, and determination, which prevented potential harm and ensured the child’s safe return to his family. The incident highlights the critical role of local law enforcement in responding to emergencies involving vulnerable children.