It started with a little girl walking alone — barefoot, dressed in black, and trying to find her family.
Something about the situation didn’t sit right, and two passing motorists decided to stop and help.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, a man and a juvenile later came to the sheriff’s office lobby to report what they had encountered while driving along County Road 26 near Bailey’s Pay Lake.
They told deputies they spotted a young female — estimated to be around 4 to 6 years old — walking without shoes. When they asked if she was okay, the child said she was trying to find her family.
The pair offered the child a ride, and she directed them toward what she said was her home. They eventually arrived at a residence on Township Road 323, where they contacted a nearby neighbor. The neighbor confirmed she knew the child’s family and walked the girl back to the home.
Although the situation appeared resolved, the driver said something still felt “off,” prompting him to report the encounter to deputies.
Deputies followed up by going to the residence to make contact with the child and her guardians. A woman at the home explained that the child had slipped out of the house earlier while she was folding laundry and the child’s father was working in the garage.
She said the child had been having behavioral issues recently and had gotten in trouble at school earlier that day. After disciplinary action at home, the child became upset and left the residence without anyone realizing it.
Deputies were allowed inside the home to check on the child and the other children present.
Officers reported the residence was clean and orderly, and all six children appeared well cared for.
No charges were filed.
Thanks to alert citizens who trusted their instincts — and deputies who followed through — a potentially dangerous situation ended safely.
Sometimes, listening to that gut feeling makes all the difference.