Missing Juvenile Located with Assistance of Drone Team

On December 27, 2025, at 12:25 am, Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Blounts Creek in reference to a Missing Juvenile.

Responding deputies, including a K-9 Team, and Drone Operator, met with the parent at the residence and obtained a description of the juvenile.  Assistance was requested from Blounts Creek Volunteer Fire Department for personnel to aid in the search. 

The Sergeant on scene observed a vehicle sitting stationary on the road, several hundred yards from the residence.  The drone, which was equipped with a thermal camera, was sent to that location and a person was seen walking on the side of the road in front of the vehicle. 

The Sergeant responded to the area and located the juvenile walking on the side of the road.  The individual in the vehicle was identified as a volunteer fireman, driving in the area, searching for the juvenile.  The juvenile was reunited with his family.

Sheriff Hammonds would like to thank all the first responders who assisted in the search effort, leading to a successful outcome.