Missing Juvenile Found Safe After Park Search

Pittsgrove Township, N.J. — October 22 — Emergency personnel from several Salem County agencies and the New Jersey State Police conducted a search for a missing juvenile in the wooded area of Green Branch Park Thursday evening.

At approximately 7 p.m., Willow Grove Fire Company, Event Medical Staffing Solutions (EMSS) and New Jersey State Police Bridgeton responded to 299 Upper Neck Road for a report of a juvenile missing in the woods with a dog.

A joint command was established between Willow Grove Fire Company and New Jersey State Police. A command post was set up near the rear of the park, where responding personnel received an operational briefing.

Willow Grove units included Engine 222, Rescue 229 and Utility 227. EMSS provided medical support, while the New Jersey State Police handled law enforcement operations.

The Salem County 9-1-1 Center assisted by using cellphone location information to help narrow the search area. The Salem County Sheriff's Office Department of Emergency Services also deployed its drone team to support the search.

After a search perimeter was established, the juvenile was located in the woods approximately 30 minutes into the operation and was reported safe.