A 4-year-old boy, Franklin "Frankie" Orwig III, was reported missing in unincorporated Cocoa, Florida, sending authorities and the community on a frantic search for the little boy.
Hours after he disappeared, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office announced that deputies located the missing and endangered child in the afternoon, ending the harrowing ordeal.
The child was reunited with his emotional father, who was overjoyed to have his son back in his arms.
Missing 4-year-old in Florida
According to Fox News, a four-year-old boy named Frankie went missing near his home in unincorporated Cocoa, Florida, on February 10, 2023.
The boy was last seen outside his house on Burgess Avenue at around 8:52 A.M. on Friday.
After his father, Frank, realized that Frankie was missing, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office launched a search operation using their Child Abduction Response Team and a helicopter.
The pilot and tactical flight officer in the helicopter spotted the child in a heavily wooded area and directed the ground search and rescue teams to his location, which was about 60 yards from his home.
Frankie's loyal dog, Rufus, had stayed by his side throughout the ordeal. The 4-year-old was found unharmed and was taken to the hospital to be checked.
The boy's father said that he fell asleep while Frankie was playing on an iPad, and when he woke up, the child was gone.
He had been missing for less than 35 minutes when his father noticed he was gone.
According to Wesh, their neighbor, Jessica Beninger, said Frankie was a rambunctious boy who enjoyed walking around the neighborhood with his sisters and dogs, riding his bike, and having his dog with him.
However, the area where he lives is near ponds, alligators, and junk cars, which made his disappearance particularly worrisome.
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office reminds the public to keep a watchful eye on their children, especially when they are playing outside.
Missing kids in Florida
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), as of February 2023, there were 129 active missing children cases in Florida.
There are potential dangers for children who get lost in the woods in Florida, as with any wilderness area. Some of the bodies of water in Florida can pose a threat to children who are lost or wandering in the woods.
However, it is worth noting that many of these cases involve runaways or children who have been abducted by family members rather than cases of stranger abduction like the one involving Frankie.
While any missing child is a cause for concern, it is essential to remember that the vast majority of missing children cases are resolved quickly and safely, often within a few hours.
Frankie's quick and successful rescue is a testament to the effectiveness of search and rescue operations in Florida.
The sheriff expressed his gratitude to the community and emphasized that the successful recovery of little Frankie underscored the strength of the partnership between Brevard County Law Enforcement and its citizens in ensuring the safety of everyone.
Frankie's father was overwhelmed with emotion when his son was finally found after hours of searching. He was seen crying tears of joy and was overjoyed that his son was found safe and sound. The father immediately ran up and held him tightly, not wanting to let him go.
