Non-verbal child found alone walking on Colerain Township street

Update: Police say they have issued an arrest warrant for the child’s mother. Full details here >> https://bit.ly/34XU2eq

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Authorities are asking the public to help locate the family of a non-verbal child found walking alone in Colerain Township Thursday night.

Colerain Township police found the boy who appears to be about 5-to-7-years-old, on Gaines Road, according to a news release Friday morning from the Hamilton County Department of Job & Family Services.

Police provided an update Friday evening that they have identified the boy. The investigation is ongoing.

The boy is “safe and warm” with concerned residents who called Thursday night, according to a police spokesperson. “He will remain safe while we continue the investigation.”

County dispatchers say a motorist is the one who initially reported seeing the boy walking alone, soaking wet, on Gaines Road near Sheed Road just after 9 p.m.

The 911 caller, Josh Wanderski, tells the Hamilton County dispatcher the boy was “out there by himself waving down cars.”

Wanderski called the situation “scary” speaking to FOX19 Friday afternoon.

“It’s a two-lane road, super dark, no lights, very windy, and it was also freezing, and he was just on the side of the road,” Wanderski said. “He was waving me down, and luckily I was close so I could call the police.”

Wanderski added, “He seemed to be calm. I don’t know if it was because he was a little out of it, but I don’t know.”

Police believe the boy is deaf.

“He didn’t really understand what was going on,” Wanderski said. “He was really close to the road. I just hope he is safe.”

At the time, the child was wearing a burgundy and gray sweatsuit and black Shaq gym shoes.

The boy has a visible scar on his nose that is believed to be new.

Anyone with information about his identity is urged to call 513-241-KIDS.

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