A missing toddler in Tampa’s Hillsborough County was safely found with the help of a neighbor and the family’s dog. According to WFLA, 23-month-old Jaylen Johnson was reported missing last night. He was last seen around 11 p.m. in the 6900 block of Silver Run Drive and was located on Sligh Avenue at approximately 10:30 a.m. today.
The search for Jaylen began immediately and involved multiple units, including the sheriff’s aviation and marine teams. Sheriff Chad Chronister told WFLA that the child’s safety and well-being were the top priority and that all available resources including patrol deputies, the dive team, K-9 teams, drone operators, cadets, and the Aviation Unit were deployed. The sheriff’s office confirmed that it continues to investigate how Jaylen became separated from his home.
As per Tampa Bay Times report, Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said a neighbor found Jaylen and kept him safe until deputies arrived, and that the family’s pit bull appeared to stay with the child during the incident. Jaylen was reunited with his family and evaluated by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, with no injuries reported.
