HAMILTON, OHIO — Relief and joy swept through an Ohio community on July 4th after 12-year-old Cameron Jones was found safe — three days after he was reported missing from his home near Crawford Woods Park.
Jones, who disappeared the morning of Tuesday, July 1, had told his mother he was heading to the 54-acre park behind their home.
But when he didn’t return, his family grew concerned and filed a missing persons report with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
Spotted in the Same Park Where He Went Missing
After two full days without success, the family reached out to Ohio LandSAR, a volunteer search-and-rescue group based in Mount Carmel. Their team began scouring the park’s wooded terrain on July 3, searching late into the night.
On the morning of July 4, just hours after restarting the search, rescue teams found Cameron.
“He just jumped out,” said Chief John Adams of Ohio LandSAR. “We kind of spooked him, I guess.”
Jones was discovered in a dense, wooded area of the park — not far from where he was last seen. He was reportedly in good shape and was escorted home by sheriff’s deputies.
Unanswered Questions Remain
Authorities and family members have not yet revealed why Cameron didn’t return home. Adams noted the boy “didn’t say much” to the team upon discovery.
“That’s something the parents and the police will have to get involved with,” Adams said. “We just try to find them. That’s all we do.”
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Community Effort Brings Happy Ending
The successful search comes thanks to tireless work by law enforcement, volunteers, and community support. Ohio LandSAR, comprised entirely of volunteers, was key in locating the missing child.
We Want to Hear From You
What more can communities do to support missing persons searches? Have you or someone you know experienced a similar scare?
Share your thoughts in the comments and visit ridgecrestpact.org. for more updates. Let’s keep raising awareness and supporting families in times of crisis
