UPDATE: Casey Hathaway was found alive Thursday night about 1/4th mile from where he disappeared. He was talking with rescuers who found him. After being reunited with his family he was taken to a nearby hospital for observation.
ERNUL, NC – Ten members of the Johnston County Office Search & Rescue Team departed from Smithfield this morning (Thursday) for Craven County to assist in the search for a missing 3 year-old boy.
Multiple agencies are now searching for 3 year-old Casey Hathaway who disappeared from his grandmother’s home Tuesday afternoon.
Sheriff Steve Bizzell said he was contacted Wednesday night by Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes asking for assistance.
Casey was playing outside with two other children at Casey’s grandmother’s home in Ernul, NC. The other two children went inside. When the grandmother went to get Casey a few minutes later he was gone. The family searched for about 45 minutes before reporting him missing.
The FBI and SBI are assisting in the search, which has now involved more than 500 law enforcement personnel and volunteers. Marines from a nearby air station have also been searching.
The community gathered for a prayer vigil Wednesday night praying the Casey is safe and can be found soon.
Sheriff Hughes said the search will continue until Casey is found.
Photos courtesy ABC11
