SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

SEARCHERS LOCATE MISSING CHILD

Searchers participating in the search have found the missing 6 year old boy that has been missing in the dense woods bordering Blackwater State Park . Shortly after 7am this morning, the boy was located by searchers on foot that were combing the thick terrain, about ¼ mile from the Blackwater River . The boy appeared to be in good condition and is being checked out by medical personnel at the time of this release. It is estimated that over 150 people participated in the search. No other information is known at this time.

Deputies and Other Agencies Continue to Search Throughout the Night for Missing 6 Year Old Autistic Child In Harold

Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Deputies have continued non-stop throughout the night in their search for a missing 6 year old autistic boy. More than 40 Sheriff's Deputies have been on scene assisting with the search, which includes air patrol, K-9, four-wheelers, and foot patrol. A boat patrol and horse patrol is being added this morning. Although the search continued in full force, personnel were hindered by the darkness and heavy fog during the night time hours. Numerous other agencies have participated in the search since it began yesterday evening. These agencies include the Escambia County Sheriff's Office Air Unit, Santa Rosa and Century Correctional Institution K-9, Florida Wildlife Commission, Santa Rosa Search and Rescue, Escambia County Alabama Search and Rescue, Red Cross, Hurlburt Field (USAF), Whiting Field Navy Police, Milton Police, and numerous local fire departments. Countless concerned citizens have also shown up to help in the search efforts. Hurlburt Field (USAF) is commended on their willingness to assist throughout the night with the help of a C-130 Gunship, Infrared Equipped. Their mission, as well as the Escambia Air Unit, was cut short due to the heavy fog. Businesses have shown their support by providing food to personnel on scene. Whataburger, Krispy Kreme, and Tom Thumb are thanked for their donations. The Sheriff's Office Mobile Command Center and the Disaster Response Trailer have been set up on scene to assist in communications and a relief station for personnel assisting in the search. The Sheriff's Office would like to express continued thanks to the media in their efforts to publicize the information regarding this missing boy. More information will be released as it becomes available.

On 2/08/2008 at approximately 1700 hours, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to 6690 Deception Road , Harold , FL , in reference to a missing child. The complainant, who is the grandmother of the child, called and stated that her 6 year old autistic grandson had wandered away from the house. She stated that the child walked out the back door of the residence and climbed a fence. Before she could get to him, she couldn't find him. The child is being identified as Aaron Jones. He has light brown hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and dark pants with no shoes. Deputies have been searching the remote area with their K-9's, four-wheelers, foot patrol, along with blood hounds from the State Prison and Escambia County Air-One. Santa Rosa County Search and Rescue as well as local fire departments are also assisting in the search. The Sheriff's Office will continue their search until the child is located. Anyone with information concerning the location of the child is asked to call the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office at 983-1190 or 911. Deputies also want help in locating the child's mother, Jennifer Jones, who's last known location was in Pensacola , Florida. Any public assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated. A photograph of the child is attached to this email.

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net