Pressing search underway for lacking nonverbal 5-year-old in Gwinnett County

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – Gwinnett County police are looking for a lacking 5-year-old nonverbal boy who disappeared Thursday afternoon after reportedly leaping from a balcony at his household’s house.

The kid is recognized as Indi Bullock.

What we all know:

The kid was final seen round 4:25 p.m. at an house alongside Sweetwater Street within the Reflections on Sweetwater Flats.

Authorities say he’s about 3 ft tall, weighs 45 kilos, has two braids, and was final seen sporting a black T-shirt, inexperienced shorts, and no sneakers.

“Roughly 4:25 this afternoon, a 911 name was positioned in reference to a lacking juvenile,” mentioned Sgt. James Lawson, with the Gwinnett County Police Division. “Officers responded and commenced canvassing on the residence and expanded outwards.”

Lawson mentioned Bullock’s mom observed he was lacking and instantly contacted authorities. It was decided the kid had jumped over the balcony of their residence. There isn’t any historical past of comparable incidents involving Bullock, and police say each mother and father have been cooperative. “My understanding is that this has not occurred earlier than,” Lawson mentioned.

A number of legislation enforcement and emergency response models are concerned within the search. Lawson confirmed {that a} police helicopter and the fireplace division drone workforce, in addition to the Swift Water rescue workforce, Group Response Groups, and the Gwinnett Search Staff have been deployed. The Swift Water workforce concluded its search earlier within the night after looking out water options within the house complicated.

“All of our sources that we’ve obtainable have been deployed,” mentioned Lawson. “I can’t verify so far as whether or not Ok-9 was on scene… which may be due to the lacking juvenile being 5 years previous. We need to make it possible for we’re not scaring him.”

What we do not know:

Authorities haven’t discovered any indication of foul play.

“There isn’t any purpose to consider that there’s any suspicion presently,” Lawson mentioned. “Nothing credible… suggests there’s something apart from when he jumped over the balcony… he wandered off.”

What’s subsequent:

The search space will broaden primarily based on what is taken into account affordable for the period of time Bullock has been lacking, officers mentioned. A reverse 911 alert has been issued to assist collect leads from close by residents.

“Clearly now that it’s gotten to nighttime, it may be overwhelming for that juvenile,” Lawson mentioned. “However presently, we’re canvassing as finest we are able to with many sources.”

Requested about how far a nonverbal little one might journey, Lawson mentioned, “It simply relies upon… As shortly because the mother observed that he wasn’t the place he was presupposed to be, she did name 911… however we’re now speaking 3–4 hours into it.”

Authorities say Bullock does reply to his identify when referred to as. Search groups are utilizing loudspeaker bulletins in hopes he’ll reply.

“We’re making bulletins to him, and if he’s in earshot of us, then he would come out,” Lawson mentioned.

Whereas surveillance footage within the space has not revealed new leads, Lawson praised the outpouring of group help throughout the search.

“It’s very encouraging to know that residents of Gwinnett County are all coming collectively and making an attempt to find this juvenile,” he mentioned.

What you are able to do:

Lawson urged the general public to stay alert.

“If you happen to see one thing, please name 911,” he mentioned. “Even in the event you don’t suppose it’s essential, we are going to nonetheless comply with up on any lead.”