Missing teen found in Thorntown

Dec. 20—Local authorities had a drone in the air within 20 minutes of learning that a teen was missing in Thorntown Saturday.

The boy, who has autism, was reunited with family after a search that involved several police and rescue agencies and Thorntown adults and children who came out to help scour neighborhoods and streets together.

The boy was visiting family when he argued with his grandfather and left the home, Thorntown Marshal Frank Clark said.

"There were all types of factors," Clark said. "We had somebody, especially a minor, possibly with a disability, and in cold weather at nighttime. That's when we pull out all the stops."

The Department of Natural Resources and Zionsville Police brought drones, while the Thorntown Sugar Creek Volunteer Fire Department drove around town, shining spotlights into yards.

"We were all shining light and pretty much looking everywhere," Clark said. Police asked children who were playing outside if they'd seen the boy, and the children joined in the search. Then other residents came to help.

"Word gets around pretty quick," Clark said. "We all know our part and we get 'er done."

A Hamilton County Sheriff's bloodhound tracked the boy through town, and police found him downtown at Main and Market streets just before 11 p.m. The search started just after 8 p.m.

Missing posters are still visible around Thorntown for Shannon Marie Sherrill, who disappeared during a game of hide and seek with other children outside of her home on Oct. 5, 1986. Thirty-five years later, Clark said he still works on that case daily. Shannon was 6 years old at the time and would be 41 today.

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