An 8-year-old boy with autism went missing Monday afternoon in Milford, Massachusetts, sending his family into panic. The child, who is nonverbal, slipped out of his home through a first-floor window before anyone could notice.
His sister, Kimberly Rivera, told local reporters the window was barely open. Still, her younger brother managed to push it fully open and escape. “We were destroyed thinking the worst could have happened,” she said.
At 3:58 p.m., the boy’s mother called 911. She reported her son missing from their home near a wooded area. Officers from the Milford Police Department rushed to the scene immediately.
K-9 Officer Brian Sanchioni and his police dog Titan joined the search without delay. “Police K-9 saves child just in time” was the mission they didn’t take lightly.
Titan soon began showing a strong reaction near a long stream across the street from the boy’s home. Following Titan’s lead, Officer Sanchioni tracked the scent through thick brush and muddy ground.
After about 600 feet, Titan jumped into the stream and crawled under a small bridge. There, he began barking non-stop. Officer Sanchioni pushed forward and found the missing child clinging to a tree.
The boy was partly submerged in water up to his stomach. He looked frightened and cold. Officer Sanchioni quickly pulled him to safety and brought him back to his mother.
Paramedics took the child to Milford Regional Medical Center for a routine check-up. Thankfully, he appeared to be okay. His family said they couldn’t stop hugging him after the terrifying ordeal.
Rivera praised Titan’s actions. “Without that dog, we wouldn’t have found him,” she said. For them, “Police K-9 saves child just in time” was not just a phrase—it became their truth.
Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino praised the team effort. He said the outcome shows the unmatched value of K-9 units. “With more K-9 teams,” he stated, “we could help more families like this.”
He ended his statement with deep gratitude. “Police K-9 saves child just in time” sums up the incredible efforts of Titan and Officer Sanchioni.
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