Galloway Township police were able to quickly find a missing child Tuesday with help from the community.
Police were called to a Smithville residence just before 5 p.m., after a 9-year-old left their residence, according to the report.
The child was missing for about 10 minutes when police arrived.
Patrol officers, detectives and a K-9 Unit began searching while Absecon police and their Drone Unit responded, along with the Galloway Township Office of Emergency Management, N.J. State Police Aviation Unit and Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
Several off-duty county and federal officers joined along with residents who came to help, police said.
About 90 minutes later, the child was found safe in a wooded area off Quail Hill Boulevard. She was returned to her family.
“When a child is missing, even for a short period of time, it is extremely stressful for a family,” Chief Richard Barber said. “It was wonderful to see so many members of the public come out and offer their assistance with locating this child. It is a true testament of the sense of community we have here in Galloway Township.”
Police thanked everyone who assisted, and reminded residents that if a child or loved one ever goes missing, not to hesitate to call 911 for help.
