A 12-year-old Oklahoma boy whose disappearance sparked a major search effort has been found safe, authorities said Sunday, days after his mother and stepfather were arrested on suspicion of child abuse.
Boy found in Caddo County after volunteer search
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said the child was located Sunday in Caddo County near the town of Cement, about 24 miles from where he was last seen on Jan. 2 in Chickasha. Authorities did not describe how the boy ended up in the area where he was found.
Officials said the boy received a medical examination and was in “pretty good shape” and “good spirits” after being located. OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee said the child was found around noon local time by members of the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer search-and-rescue group.
Parents arrested as investigators pursue abuse allegations
The boy’s mother, Kimberly Cole, and stepfather, George Cole, were arrested Wednesday on child abuse, child sexual abuse, and conspiracy complaints, according to OSBI. McKee said investigators learned there was “apparent harm” done to the child while he was living with the pair, and said search warrants were executed before the arrests.
McKee said the couple remains in custody at the Caddo County Jail and that the local district attorney intends to move forward with the case. The boy has been placed in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Sources:
ABC News/6ABC, “Missing Oklahoma boy found safe after mother, stepfather arrested for alleged child abuse: officials.”
ABC News, “Mother and stepfather arrested for alleged child abuse amid search for missing Oklahoma boy”
