Runaway 14-Year-Old Found Safe After Large Search Near Carencro
A 14-year-old runaway is back home safely with his parents after a search near Carencro brought law enforcement, specialized drone crews and community volunteers together Tuesday night.
The search centered around the area of East Musique Road near Carencro, including nearby wooded areas and a coulee. A call for volunteers spread quickly across social media as people were asked to help search for the teen, identified in posts as Reece.
Shortly after 11 p.m., the update everyone had been waiting for arrived: Reece had been found.
Search For 14-Year-Old Draws Volunteers Near Carencro
According to social media posts surrounding the search, volunteers joined law enforcement and other organizations to cover the area on foot and with side-by-sides.
Drones equipped with infrared technology were also among the resources used during the effort.
The teen's father credited the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, LA Drone, United Cajun Navy, Louisiana Cajun Navy and the many volunteers who came out to help.
Others contributed without ever leaving home. Posts about the missing teen were shared across social media, helping spread the word and bring additional attention and resources to the search.
Father Says He Is Usually The One Helping Search For Others
After his son was found, the teen's father posted a video showing Reece safely riding with him in a vehicle.
In the video, he thanked law enforcement, search organizations, volunteers and community members who shared information online.
The father also said he runs the America's Cajun Navy Facebook page and is accustomed to being on the other side of situations like this, helping search for other people's loved ones.
This time, his own family needed that help.
Father Turns Search Into Teachable Moment For Son
The relief of finding his son safe also came with a lesson.
The father used the moment to explain to his son just how many people and resources had been mobilized to find him and how deeply his disappearance had affected his parents.
From deputies and drone operators to volunteers searching wooded areas, people on side-by-sides and residents sharing posts online, the effort grew into a sizable community search.
Late Tuesday night, family members and volunteers got the best news.
Reece was safe, back with his parents. Hopefully, this teachable moment will make sure this never happens again.
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Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff
