A seven-year-old autistic boy from Southern California was found just before 11:30 a.m. by searchers in the Midpines area. He had been searched for all night. Reportedly the boys only sustained minor cuts, scrapes and bruises. No further details were available immediately after he was discovered.

On the Saturday afternoon the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing seven-year-old autistic boy. The missing child; Cameron Mithchell, is from the Southern California area, and was visiting relatives in the Midpines area of Mariposa County. It was reported that at approximately 5 p.m. Cameron became upset with a family member and ran into the brush near the residence where he and his family were staying.

     Cameron was described as 3-9 inches tall, 55 lbs., blond hair, wearing a white shirt, blue shorts and black shoes with white socks. Due to his autism, Cameron is unable to actually pronounce words, but is able to make audible sounds.

     The Mariposa County Search and Rescue Team along with members of the Mariposa Office of the Highway Patrol searched for Cameron throughout the night. Searchers were assisted by California Highway Patrol Helicopter H-40, three search dogs from Merced Police Department and Merced Sheriff’s Office and volunteers from within the community. The search effort has been slowed by thick vegetation throughout the area.

     Search teams  included personnel from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Merced County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, and Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office  assisting in the search. Ground searchers were being assisted by five CARDA (California Rescue Dog Association) search dogs and handlers. Searchers continued to receive air assistance from California Highway Patrol.

     The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office  utilized CodeRed: an emergency notification system, to alert area residents of the missing child, and to request that property owners checks any buildings, vehicles or other areas on their property where Cameron may seek shelter or hide.

Look for further details at this Web site an in the next edition of the Mariposa Gazette.