Florida K-9 Tracks Missing Autistic Teenager to Safety After Search Through Brush [WATCH]

A police K-9 in Florida helped locate a missing autistic teenager after tracking his scent through dense brush, leading officers to the boy as he called out for help, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, as reported by Fox News.

The search began on April 21 after the teenager was reported missing from his home. Authorities said the situation prompted an immediate response, with officers deploying K-9 Ruger and his handler, Officer Chris Havens, to assist in locating the boy.

Investigators said Ruger was given a sock belonging to the teen to establish a scent trail. From there, the dog began tracking, guiding officers through wooded areas and brush as they followed his lead.

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Body camera footage captured the search as Ruger moved quickly and persistently, pulling officers along a path that eventually led toward the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Ryar Road. Officers continued following the K-9’s direction as they approached a nearby commercial area.

The search came to a turning point when officers heard the teen calling out.

“You did a good job calling us over,” an officer is heard telling the teen in the body camera video. “When you see the police, you say something to them.”

“We’re glad we found you, we were getting really worried,” the officer added.

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Authorities said the boy was located in a business lot after Ruger’s tracking efforts brought officers close enough to hear his voice. The teen was then taken for a medical checkup and later reunited with his family.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the response highlighted the role of specialized units in locating missing individuals.

“When your loved one goes missing, we deploy our best tools to find them quickly and safely,” the department said.

Officials credited Ruger’s tracking ability for helping officers narrow the search area and ultimately locate the teen.

When your loved one goes missing, we deploy our best tools to find them quickly and safely.

On Tuesday, April 21, our K9 duo Ruger and Officer Chris Havens responded to a reported missing teenage with Autism. K9 Ruger got a sent from the teen’s sock and led Officer Havens and… pic.twitter.com/bY7jZJtrnW— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) May 3, 2026

After the rescue, the department noted that Ruger received a reward for his work.

“Because he was able to lead officers close to the missing teen, K9 Ruger earned himself his favorite toy and plenty of ‘Good boy!’s!” the department said.

The incident underscores how trained K-9 units are used in search operations, particularly when time is critical and locating a missing person quickly is a priority. Authorities did not release additional identifying details about the teen.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office did not report any further issues following the rescue and confirmed the case concluded with the teen safely returned home.

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