RIVERVIEW, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office successfully located a missing autistic student who wandered away from their school in Riverview on October 17th, 2024.
The student, who had been enrolled in the SafetyNet program, was found nearly two miles away from the school thanks to GPS tracking technology. The Sheriff’s Aviation Unit played a key role in quickly locating the student and ensuring their safe return.
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“This successful rescue is a great example of why our SafetyNet system is such a vital resource for our community,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “When every minute matters, having this technology can make all the difference. I’m incredibly proud of our deputies who worked together to locate this student and return him safe and sound.”
The SafetyNet program utilizes a tracking device to help locate individuals with cognitive conditions who may wander away from their caregivers. This incident highlights the effectiveness of the program and the dedication of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in protecting vulnerable members of the community.
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