Missing 6-Year-Old Roman Heilman Found Safe in Lawrence County
Kentucky State Police credited a fast IAN Alert and a large multiagency and volunteer search for locating the nonverbal autistic boy and moving him to EMS for evaluation.
Overview
- Roman Heilman was reported missing from his home on Tadpole Road in Louisa after last being seen around 4 p.m. on Sunday, prompting a statewide IAN Alert.
- The IAN Alert is a Kentucky emergency notice used to find children with autism or other cognitive disabilities who may be in danger and was activated to speed the response.
- Kentucky State Police deployed aircraft, drones, K9 teams and specialized units while hundreds of local volunteers searched wooded areas and riverbanks.
- Searchers recovered some of Roman’s belongings during the operation and a volunteer reported he was located by searchers on horseback; KSP says Roman is now being evaluated by EMS.
- Officials thanked local, state and federal partners and volunteers, asked anyone with tips to contact the Kentucky State Police post or call 911, and noted donations and supplies are being coordinated through local churches and emergency pages.