UPDATE 03/27/2023: Scottie Morris was found on Friday, March 24 in Eaton, Indiana. While no updates have been revealed about how Morris disappeared in the first place, he is safe and in the custody of Delaware County Child Protective Services. The police have stated that Morris’ family is cooperating with “every aspect” of the investigation.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: 14-year-old Scottie Dean Morris of Eaton, Indiana has been missing since last Thursday as search teams continue to conduct their search.
According to a missing person’s alert, Morris is believed to be in “extreme danger”. A Silver Alert was issued by the Eaton Indiana Police Department on Friday.
“He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance,” according to the Silver Alert obtained by CNN.
He was last seen on Thursday night around 8:30 pm, walking east on Indiana Avenue in Eaton, IN, wearing a white shirt and red and black shorts.
A search party comprised of more than 100 local residents took place on Friday and Saturday where, according to Police chief Jay Turner, “They went out into a thick wood line area next to a river — both sides of the river — and walked somewhat of a line completely for two and a half miles,” per WTHR News out of Indianapolis.
Turner said the work the search party has done so far has been “very tremendous”.
“We are a small department,” Turner added. “We have four regular officers and 18 reserves. Our reserves and our regulars volunteered their time to come in and do these searches. I’m very pleased how we came together — fire department, EMS, police department.”
The search party was also assisted by Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources, who deployed two boats in a nearby river, while the EPD had “2 infrared drones up, and Grant County is sending 2 bloodhound teams,” per an EPD Facebook post.
A new search party is to be organized today.
The police department’s main concern for Morris is both his safety and warmth, as temperatures tend to drop significantly at night. Without any foul play being discovered as of yet, Turner wants to reassure Morris that he is not in any trouble and hopes that he’s able to see the Facebook posts and other social media/news traction his search has been getting in the hopes he’ll return home safely.
“I want this young man to know we are not here to make sure he’s in trouble. We want to help him and make sure he’s safe,” Turner said, adding, “We’ve taken this seriously from the very beginning, and we’re going to continue to investigate until we find him.”
The EPD also posted to their Facebook, saying, “Scottie, if you see this, please know we are doing everything we can do to get whatever help you may need & to make sure you are safe and warm. Your safety is our main priority.”
If you have any information on his possible whereabouts, please contact Eaton Police Department at 765-396-3297. Morris is said to be 5’ 4”, about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/19/us/indiana-missing-teen/index.html
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/25/us/scottie-morris-indiana-found/index.html
