By Charles E. Ramirez, Tribune News Service
A 6-year-old Madison Heights boy is back with his family after disappearing for hours on Sunday, officials said.
Johnathan Skattebo, who is autistic and nonverbal, was found late Sunday and taken to a hospital to be examined, Madison Heights Police Lt. Gary Strongarone said Monday.
“He’s in great health,” Strongarone said. “He and his father were taken to a hospital last night just as a precaution. I haven’t spoken with the family today, but I know he’s been reunited with them.”
Skattebo wandered away from his home in the area of Parliament Avenue and Hales Street near 12 Mile and Dequindre roads at about 3:30 p.m., according to police.
Authorities launched a search for the boy, and an Endangered Missing Advisory was issued. The advisory said: “Johnathan likes things that spin and water.” It also said, “he likes to hide in cold dark places, and the cold does not bother him.”
Strongarone said the boy also likes to explore, wander and check doors.
Shortly before midnight, Michigan State Police posted on social media that “Johnathan has been found safe. Thank you to everyone who helped in searching for him. Any further information will come from Madison Heights Police.”
Early Monday morning, the Madison Heights police posted on social media thanking the community for its quick response and compassion.
“Thank you to every citizen who walked the streets, drove through neighborhoods, shared information, and kept watch during the search for the missing boy in our city,” the post said. “Your time, concern, and willingness to help showed the true strength of our community.”
He was found by a neighbor in a home not far from his own house, the lieutenant said.
After seeing an alert about the missing boy, a Madison Heights resident went to check his backyard, Strongarone said. The homeowner noticed the sliding glass door at the rear of his house was ajar, he said. The resident then went inside and heard water running from a tap.
“He went upstairs and found the boy standing in his bathtub,” Strongarone said. “He stayed a lot warmer than us.”
He said the incident had a happy ending, considering the amount of time he was missing and the cold temperatures on Sunday.
Officials said the Madison Heights Police Department has not leveled any charges against Johnathan’s parents at this time. However, they said officers contacted the state’s Children’s Protective Services department, which is conducting its own investigation into the boy’s disappearance.
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