RUNAWAYS FOUND HIDING IN WHEELERSBURG HOME — WHO KNEW THEY WERE THERE?

A late-night tip led deputies straight to a home where two missing kids were found—but not without raising some serious questions along the way. Around 2:30 a.m., a man called 911 to report that two juveniles who had been reported missing out of Lawrence County were inside a home in Wheelersburg. When Scioto County deputies arrived, it wasn’t a simple “come on in” situation. They knocked on two different doors before someone finally answered—and at first, they were told the kids weren’t there. Moments later, another person came to the door and said the same thing… even though the tip said otherwise. Deputies asked to check the home, and the woman who said she lived there gave them permission. Inside, it didn’t take long to find the truth. In a bedroom, deputies found a younger boy and girl asleep on a mattress. Both admitted they were the missing juveniles deputies were looking for. One of the teens who lived at the home later admitted he lied at the door because he was scared. He said he’s currently on probation with an ankle monitor and claimed he didn’t realize the kids had been reported missing. Deputies made it clear that lying in a situation like this can come with consequences—and that it could lead to charges depending on the circumstances. He apologized and said he would report the incident to his probation officer. One of the missing juveniles was released to a parent at the scene. The other was transported to the county line and handed over to Lawrence County deputies after they were unable to reach that child’s guardian right away. ❗ SOME BIG QUESTIONS HERE This situation raises a few that neighbors—and parents—might be asking: Who actually knew those kids were in the house? Why were deputies told they weren’t there at first? How many other juveniles were staying there? And where was the supervision in the middle of the night? ⚖️ WHAT ADULTS NEED TO KNOW Letting a runaway stay in your home isn’t just “helping them out”—it can land you in serious legal trouble. Depending on the situation, adults can face charges like: Obstructing justice (lying to officers) Contributing to the delinquency of a minor Harboring a runaway Even if you think you’re doing the right thing, the law sees it differently—especially if parents and authorities are actively looking for that child. 👀 A QUICK REALITY CHECK If a child shows up at your door and something feels off: Ask questions Contact a parent if you can Or call it in Because in situations like this, what you don’t do can matter just as much as what you do.

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