Brenden Hartsock, a 10-year-old autistic child who went missing Friday evening, was eventually located at 9:50 p.m., according to Gilroy Police Sgt. Pedro Espinoza.
He was alert, unharmed and did not require medical attention, Espinoza added.
The drama unfolded earlier on Friday when Brenden was reported missing at around 5:30 p.m. after last being seen near the intersection of Monterey Road and IOOF Avenue.
He had been staying with Rebekah Children’s Services located at 290 IOOF Avenue “for about a week” before walking off, according to an email seen by the Dispatch.
A coordinated effort between GPD, the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team, community members and local media, lead to Brenden being located in the unincorporated area of Gilroy.
“He will be reunited with his family when the investigation concludes,” Sgt. Espinoza said.Â
At the height of the drama, the Sheriff’s Office had their police helicopter deployed over Gilroy to assist with the search.
The helicopter flew low over the neighborhoods surrounding First and Monterey streets playing a message over loudspeakers that described Brenden and his clothing.
“That’s the first time I’ve seen anything like that,” said one woman at the Mission Park Apartments on First Street as the chopper came in low over the apartment complex.
People with information that could help with the investigation are urged to contact GPD at 408-846-0350
