The frantic hunt for a missing autistic boy who nearly drowned in a Florida pond had a happy ending thanks to a hero deputy.
The five-year-old escaped from his home in Deltona on Tuesday night around 7:30 p.m., police said. An alarm went off alerting his parents that he was no longer inside the home.
They immediately went looking for the boy as neighbors called 911. Deputies from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office searched the immediate area with a focus on bodies of water, as the child was attracted to water, officials said.
Nearly 20 minutes into the search, the boy was found in a pond a few blocks from his home by Deputy Wes Brough, who heard a voice and then saw the boy holding onto a log.
The deputy jumped into the pond to grab the child, with video footage showing the Brough holding the young boy.
Deputy Wes Brough is pictured rescuing the boy from the pond
The sheriff is seen jumping into the pond running towards the youngster
Authorities said the boy was medically cleared and was returned to his family.
The youngster’s family told police they have several measures to secure the house, including an alarm on the door.
Brough has received Autism Awareness Training to help prepare for a variety of calls involving people with autism, including missing children, police said.
‘Great job to all involved on this call,’ officials said.
