Police detail how missing 6-year-old Madison Heights boy was found

By Charles E. Ramirez, Tribune Information Service

A 6-year-old Madison Heights boy is again together with his household after disappearing for hours Sunday, officers stated.

Johnathan Skattebo, who’s autistic and nonverbal, was discovered late Sunday and brought to a hospital for analysis, Madison Heights police Lt. Gary Strongarone stated Monday.

“He’s in glorious well being,” Strongarone stated. “He and his father had been taken to a hospital final night time as a precaution. I have not spoken to the household as we speak, however I do know he has been reunited with them.”

Based on police, Skattebo walked away from his house within the space of ​​Parliament Avenue and Hales Avenue close to 12 Mile and Dequindre roads round 3:30 p.m.

Authorities launched a seek for the boy and an endangered lacking individual advisory was issued. The recommendation stated: “Johnathan likes issues that spin and water.” It additionally stated: “He likes to cover in chilly, darkish locations, and the chilly does not trouble him.”

Strongarone stated the boy additionally likes to discover, wander round and examine doorways.

Shortly earlier than midnight, Michigan State Police posted on social media that “Johnathan has been discovered protected. Thanks to everybody who assisted within the seek for him. Any additional info will come from the Madison Heights Police Division.”

Early Monday morning, the Madison Heights Police Division posted a message on social media thanking the group for his or her fast response and compassion.

“Thanks to each citizen who walked the streets, drove by means of neighborhoods, shared info and stood watch in the course of the seek for the lacking boy in our metropolis,” the submit stated. “Your time, care and willingness to assist confirmed the true power of our group.”

He was discovered by a neighbor in a home not removed from his own residence, the lieutenant stated.

After seeing an alert concerning the lacking boy, a Madison Heights resident went to examine his yard, Strongarone stated. The house owner seen the sliding glass door behind his home was barely ajar, he stated. The resident then went inside and heard water flowing from the faucet.

“He went upstairs and located the boy standing in his bathtub,” Strongarone stated. “He stayed so much hotter than us.”

He stated the incident had a cheerful ending, contemplating the period of time he was lacking and the chilly temperatures on Sunday.

Officers stated Madison Heights police haven’t filed any costs in opposition to Johnathan’s mother and father right now. Nevertheless, they stated officers had contacted the state’s Youngster Protecting Companies Division, which is conducting its personal investigation into the boy’s disappearance.

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