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Missing At-Risk Teen Found With Help of New Technology

MARIPOSA – The new technology implemented by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office proved its worth last night when it played a vital role in locating a missing, at-risk teen.

During the evening of Thursday, Jan. 29, a 15-year-old autistic boy was reported missing by his parents. The boy was last seen at the Mariposa County High School where he is a student.

Minutes after the initial call, deputies from the Sheriff’s Office were on scene at the school. searching the area and gathering further details.

The Mariposa County High School Principal was able to send the student’s school photo electronically, and it was then transmitted to all responding deputies. A Search and Rescue call-out was initiated to conduct a search beginning at the High School.

The Sheriff’s Office also sent out a Nixle notification alert, and fliers were posted on all of their social media sites. Ten minutes after the initial Nixle alert was sent out, the Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from a Mariposa resident who had received the alert and said he may have seen the teen walking along Highway 140 toward Catheys Valley.

Deputies posted in the area located the anxious teen near Highway 140 and Martin Road, some 2.6 miles from his last know location at the Mariposa County High School.

This is a perfect example of why the Sheriff’s Office has chosen to implement this type of technology, says Sheriff Doug Binnewies.

“The more eyes we have watching and passing along accurate information the better.”

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Mariposa County High School Administrators and Staff, the Mariposa County Unified School District Special Education Department, the resident who contacted their office with the teen’s location, and all those who have signed up for the Nixle Emergency Notification Service, for their collaborative effort in finding the missing teen safe and sound.

To sign up for Nixle Notifications please text your zip code to 888-777 or visit www.mariposacounty.org/sheriff to register.

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