4-year-old boy lost for two hours found by Springfield resident

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Springfield child was reunited with his family after walking around the neighborhood lost for more than two hours.

According to the Springfield Police Department, on Sunday, September 1st, a resident found a 4-year-old boy who she didn’t recognize walking around the neighborhood. The woman attempted to find the boy’s home but was unsuccessful.

Springfield Police Officers Lindsay Ruby, Ana Quiles, and Detective John Lopez were called to Commonwealth Ave to assist. The officers walked with the non-verbal child in hopes of finding his home and were also approached by Mayor Sarno. An AMR paramedic who was knocking on doors located the child’s parents. He was brought to Baystate Health for evaluation.

Mayor Sarno contacted Police Superintendent Akers to express his appreciation and thank the officers who showed compassion for this young boy.

“First of all thank you to everyone involved, from the neighbor who found this boy wandering and called the police, to the officers who cared for this boy and the paramedic who located his home.  Without the Mayor’s message, I would not have known about our officers’ actions during this sensitive situation.  Unfortunately, our officers respond to incidents like this far too often, but I can rest easy knowing that they do so in a professional manner.  Thank you to Officers Ruby, Quiles and Detective Lopez for your work in making this boy feel comfortable on what must have been a traumatic day.  Every interaction with the public makes a difference and want all our officers serving our community in the same manner that they bravely protect our community,” said Superintendent Akers.

Local News Headlines

Body found in Five Mile Pond on Saturday

American Red Cross of Massachusetts details how residents can help Hurricane Helene victims

Motorcyclist dead after crash on Church Street in Thorndike

Grand opening ceremony for new wellness center in Easthampton

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.