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A 5-year-old boy who was reported missing in the region has died after being found in a creek near a drainage ditch.
The unidentified child was reported missing in Dutchess County around 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25 in the town of Poughkeepsie at the Manchester Gardens Apartments in the Arlington area.
According to Lt. Jason Burger of the town of Poughkeepsie Police, officers checked the apartment complex and the surrounding area. Searches of the area by Poughkeepsie police and the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office were also conducted by K9 units and drones.
The New York State Police Aviation Unit used a helicopter from the apartment complex to the Vassar College campus, whose personnel also assisted in the search, Burger said.
During the search, a Poughkeepsie officer located a shoe in Casper Creek in an area located along Manchester Road. A request was then made for the Arlington Fire Department to respond with their water rescue unit.
The divers located the boy near a drainage ditch, submerged in several feet of water, said Chief William Steenbergh of the Arlington Fire District.
When found, the child was unconscious and not breathing, Steenbergh said.
"It was not known at that time how long the child might have been in the water," he said.
The boy was immediately removed and turned over to awaiting EMS personnel. He was transported via Arlington's ambulance to MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie while receiving continuous advanced life support care, the chief said.
Burger said the department was notified by the hospital that the child died at 5:40 p.m.
The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 845-485-3670.
The police department was also supported by the Dutchess County Officer of Emergency Management.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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