An hours-long search for Miles McMahon came to its conclusion on Sunday night when the non-verbal, autistic child was found in the water not far from his house, according to the sheriff's office.
McMahon was reported missing at around 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13 from the 1000 block of St. Pauls Drive in Waldorf, where he was last seen skipping in the front yard.
Family members searched the area and contacted 9-1-1 when they could not locate him, officials said. Officers established a perimeter and immediately focused their attention on ponds and bodies of water nearby, though he was not found until later in the day.
Investigators say that the pond and area where he was located had been their primary focus, and though it was searched earlier on Sunday, the Maryland State Police Dive Team and the Department of Natural Resources Police responded later on Sunday, where they found the child.
"The outpouring of care, concern, prayers and love for Miles' family, as well as all of the many, many first responders who worked tirelessly to find Miles meant so much," a spokesperson for the Charles County Sheriff's Office said.
"These incidents are very hard for first responders, but the grace and care you showed to our teams was truly a source of strength."
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