9-year-old reported missing on city’s Northside found safe by K-9 team, JSO says

A 9-year-old missing for several hours after leaving his Northside Jacksonville home was found Monday afternoon by a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office K-9 team, the department said.

Police said the boy left his home on Lydia Estates Drive near Dunn Avenue around 10:40 a.m. Monday.

Because of his age, there were concerns for his safety, so JSO posted an alert asking for help to find the boy.

Less than an hour later, JSO posted the good news that K-9 Patriot and his handler, Officer Yannuzzi, had found the boy, who was returned safely to his family.

“Thanks to everyone who helped spread the word!” JSO wrote.