Authorities Release Details About 17-Agency Search For Missing Youth

MILLER COUNTY, Mo. — When a juvenile went missing on May 19, 2016, 17 local and state agencies worked to find the child, and succeeded in doing so after a five-hour search.

The search began at around 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, as the Lake Ozark Fire Protection District joined with the Miller County Sheriff’s Department to search for a juvenile who had become separated from his group while fishing in a creek near Highway V.

According to LOFPD Fire Chief Mark Amsinger, upon arrival, fire units met up with Miller County Sheriff’s Department officers to assess the situation and a unified command was established for the incident.

Fire units began a search of the area by vehicle and with crews on foot. After an initial search of the area, it was determined that additional resources would be needed. Canine units were brought in, and the incident ended up involving 17 different emergency entities working together on the search and rescue.

At 10:26 p.m., the juvenile was located in the area of Highway 52, approximately eight miles from the last known location. The juvenile was checked by medical personnel and released unharmed back to the group. The incident was marked under control at that time. Units remained on the scene until 11:17 p.m. until all searchers had been accounted for.

The Lake Ozark Fire District was assisted by: