GERMANTOWN, Md. — Montgomery County Police are highlighting a recent rescue involving a missing child and using the opportunity to remind the public about local resources for individuals with autism.
Earlier this month, a mother reported her 8-year-old daughter with autism missing from their home. While officers were en route, several passersby alerted authorities to a child running into traffic near Middlebrook Road and Frederick Road.
Body camera footage released Friday shows officers locating the girl and safely placing her in a police vehicle.
“We’re going to get you home, OK sweetie?” one officer gently reassures her. The child was soon safely reunited with her family.
According to officials, Montgomery County police and community members respond to three to eight incidents per year involving individuals on the autism spectrum in potentially hazardous situations.
The department also emphasized the availability of support through its outreach unit for autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Further information can be found through the department’s dedicated resources.
