Update: The Mansfield Police Department located the missing 6-year-old boy and his relative who were last seen Wednesday morning.
Authorities said the man was found walking with the 6-year-old child, a relative, and the two were heading back to the boy's mother's house. Police said that when the man and child were found, the man was unaware that the boy was reported missing.
The boy and his relative were last seen leaving a residence on Pleasant Avenue at around 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. Authorities said they found the two around 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
The boy's mother became concerned when they had not returned to her home later in the evening. Authorities said that the mother told police that the relative was taking the boy to the park and the store.
Police said although there was no additional information indicating that either were in immediate danger, there was a concern for their welfare since the family had not heard from them and the relative usually brings him back on time.
By 6 a.m. Thursday police had searched over 180 homes volunteers of the Ohio Special Response Team and the Divisions Unmanned Aerial System (DRONE) are took part in the search efforts.
Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch said his department was overwhelmed with requests from other agencies to assist in the search.
"This is the outcome we wanted. I am proud of my staff," Porch said. "These things turn out horrible. So proud to report the child is safe."
Police said the case will be turned over to the Richland County Prosecutor's Office to determine if any charges will be filed relating to the incident. Police said that after locating the relative and the child, the relative was arrested on an unrelated charge.
