On May 31, a nonverbal eight-year-old who had been reported missing was pulled from the river near East Mississippi Avenue and East Cherry South Drive, after Denver officers launched an all-out search. Officer Byrd waded into the water and carried the child to shore while other officers ran a grid search on land and deployed a drone overhead. Medics cleared the child at the scene, and the youngster was reunited with family.
Denver Police account of the rescue
According to the Denver Police Department, District 3 officers began a grid search after the missing-child report and requested a drone unit to help comb the riverbanks. The child was located in the water at East Mississippi Avenue and East Cherry South Drive, and Officer Byrd carried the child to safety before medics arrived. The post includes photos of the rescue and thanks the officers involved.
Drone tech and training
Local departments have increasingly turned to drones to speed up searches along rivers and reservoirs. A story in The Durango Herald described a recent Skydio drone deployment near the Animas River and noted training that highlights the drowning risk for autistic or nonverbal children, a point that helps explain why aerial searches are now standard in many river calls.
Recent water incidents in the area
The department's post, published with photos on June 15, comes amid heightened attention to water safety after other incidents this month. A separate event at Cherry Creek Reservoir earlier in June ended tragically when a child's body was recovered after an hours-long search, according to CBS Colorado.
What officials are asking
Police and city officials continue to urge close supervision around waterways and stress that anyone facing an active emergency should call 911. The Denver Police Department lists contact information and public safety resources on the Denver Police Department website.
