Missing Perham child found
By Kathy McCarty
PERHAM — A 5-year-old boy is safe, after being missing for about six hours from his Perham home July 25.
“A 5-year-old boy (whose identity was not released) was reported missing Sunday afternoon from his home on Route 228 in Perham,” said Chief Doug Conroy, Washburn Police Department.
According to Conroy, Officer James Canales, WPD, responded and began a search for the child. Several other agencies were contacted, with officers responding to join in the search.
“The Maine Warden Service responded and around 3:30 p.m. requested the assistance of Officer Kevin Schumacher and K-9 Hunter of the Presque Isle Police Department. Kevin arrived a short time later and began tracking the child. At that time the boy had been missing about four hours,” said Conroy.
Officials joining the search included Trooper Fred Thomas, Maine State Police; Sgt. Brian Gray, Maine Warden Service; and Wardens Alan Dudley, Preston Pomerlow, Ryan Fitzpatrick, David Milligan and Jeff Spencer. A Warder Service plane was also used in the search.
“The boy was located at approximately 5:45 p.m. in back of his house,” said Conroy, who credited the joint effort of all departments involved with the positive outcome.
Given the recent heat and rural location, Conroy said the family was lucky.
“The boy was unharmed, just tired,” said Conroy.
Authorities believe the boy may have seen all the police cars and thought he was in trouble, thus delaying his return home. Police urge parents to teach their children to not fear law enforcement officers and to seek them out when they need help.
