Overview

• The child quietly dressed himself and grabbed a stuffed animal before slipping out of his home early on July 3.
• He walked to the Burggraben sheep enclosure in Buchloe, drawn by a fascination with the animals.
• Local officials say such solitary excursions are uncommon in the region but illustrate rural safety challenges.
• Police officers stopped the boy as he passed their station, confirmed he was unharmed and returned him to his parents.
• The incident has prompted discussion about parental supervision and the role of law enforcement in child welfare.