11-Year-Old Found in Indiana Following Online Interaction with 45-year-old man
Columbus, Ohio – An urgent reminder for parents in Ohio: Marion Police are highlighting the growing dangers of unsupervised online activity after an 11-year-old boy with autism went missing early Thursday morning and was later found safe in Indiana.
Authorities say the child had been communicating with a 45-year-old man he met through an online video game. The boy disappeared between 1:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. from his home on Congress Street, near Bellefontaine Avenue. Thankfully, he was located in Indiana and safely reunited with his family. Charges against the man are expected in Marion County.
B.J. Gruber, Operations Commander of the Marion Police Department, stated:
“This is a strong reminder for all parents to stay actively involved in their children’s digital lives. Online interactions may not always be what they seem.”
The incident underlines the critical need for online safety awareness among parents and caregivers. Predators are increasingly using advanced technology, including AI-generated images and fake profiles, to gain children’s trust.
Online Safety Advice for Parents
Hannah Swift of Gracehaven, a nonprofit in Upper Arlington, emphasized that children often seek connection online — a factor that can make them targets.
“Some predators disguise themselves as kids. They use technology to appear younger or sound more believable,” Swift said.
Protect Your Child Online:
- Regularly monitor your child’s device activity
- Talk openly about online risks
- Set parental controls and privacy filters
- Encourage your child to report suspicious interactions
This case had a fortunate ending, but police warn that not all outcomes are the same. Building trust and open communication with your child is the best defense.
“To all parents, be aware of what your kids are doing online, and create a space where they feel safe coming to you,” Gruber concluded.
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