Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Tampa Toddler Found Safe With Family Dog After Overnight Search

Detectives are interviewing witnesses to clarify how he left the home, including any neighbor contact.

Overview

  • The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office received a 6:44 a.m. 911 call Tuesday and deployed more than 200 personnel, including aviation, marine and K-9 units.
  • Deputies located 23-month-old Jaylen Johnson and the family pit bull, Odea, around 10:30 a.m. near 56th Street and Sligh Avenue.
  • Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said a neighbor found Jaylen walking earlier and kept him at a home until deputies recovered him.
  • Jaylen showed no apparent injuries and was to be evaluated by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.
  • Jaylen’s father acknowledged forgetting to secure the door and said the family will add safety measures, while detectives keep the case active and seek tips at 813-247-8200.