Missing 9-year-old Hammond boy found safe

After an 8-hour search, a missing 9-year-old boy with a cognitive disability was found Saturday night hiding behind a bush near his home in northwest Indiana.

Officers responded about 3 p.m. to the 100 block of Ruth Street after getting a report that Anthony Mitchell had left his home and could not be found, according to Hammond police.

Multiple police agencies searched for the boy for more than 8 hours, including with K-9 units and a Lake County sheriff’s office helicopter, police said. He was eventually found by Hammond Police Officer David DeBoer.

The Hammond Police Department thanked “everyone who volunteered their time to find” Anthony.

“Most importantly we want to thank all members of the community and the media who helped to spread the word about the missing child and to everyone who came out of their houses and walked the rainy streets side by side without officers searching,” the statement said. “It is truly inspiring to see how the residents from Hammond and Calumet City came together with law enforcement for a common goal. It really is the true meaning of community. We are proud to serve to you all.”