Missing three-year-old Michigan child found by county K9 unit and drones

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- A three-year-old Michigan boy was able to pry open a window and leave their home on foot on Monday in Van Buren County before sheriff's deputies found him with the help of K9 Kuno and his handler Deputy Eric Calhoun, as well as drones from local agencies.

The Geneva Township boy was last seen about a half hour before he was reported missing and wearing only a diaper.

The Van Buren County Sheriff was the first person on scene and called for a K9 track along with drones to immediately respond to the search.

"Words cannot accurately describe the gratitude our family has for the first responders both on duty and off duty, our community, and everyone that came together to bring our son home safely," the family said. "Because law enforcement responded so quickly on foot, with drones, and search dogs, we are forever grateful. It is our hope that these resources are available to any family experiencing the nightmare that we did and that they will be met with the professionalism, compassion, and heroism that we were.”

Deputies say a K9 track was started from the home, and they were able to locate a footprint northwest of the house.

They tracked the trail for nearly a quarter mile from the house towards a large body of water before the dog was able to find the boy roughly 50 yards from the shore. Authorities say the boy looked to be in good health but did have minor scratches.

"He was safely returned to family without incident," authorities say.

Drones from South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) and Great Lakes Drones.

Authorities say this is the fifth missing child that K9 Kuno and Deputy Calhoun have found.