K-9 Ruger tracks missing autistic teen to Jacksonville parking lot
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Good job, Ruger! A heroic cop pup followed his nose to find a missing autistic teenager in a Florida parking lot, leading police directly to the rescue.
The high-risk hunt began April 21 after the terrified teenager disappeared from his home, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
That’s when K-9 Ruger and his partner, Officer Chris Havens, stepped in to save the day. Police said the four-legged officer smelled the missing teenager’s sock and began searching.
K-9 Ruger from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office helped locate a missing teenager with autism on April 21, 2026. (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office)
Ruger’s body camera recorded the rescue, as he didn’t miss a beat and dragged patrol officers through the bushes toward the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Ryar Road.
CROWNED HIS 2024 HERO DOG TO THE SOFT GIANT AMERICAN HUMANE TO FIND LOST CHILDREN AND MORE
The “clawed” ending came when cops heard the boy’s cries for help coming from a nearby business.
“You did a good job calling us,” an officer on body camera was heard telling the teen. “When you see the police, say something to them.”
“We’re so glad we found you, we were really starting to worry,” he said.
CHILDREN WITH AUTISM ARE SUPPORTED WITH SERVICE DOGS AS RESEARCH AND FAMILIES SEE ‘INCREDIBLE CHANGES’
K-9 Ruger and Officer Chris Havens responded to reports of a missing teenager by tracking him using the scent of his sock, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office)
After the check-up, the child was reunited with his family, who went crazy.
“When your loved one goes missing, we use our best tools to find them quickly and safely,” the department said.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
A police dog in Jacksonville is being praised after successfully tracking a missing autistic teenager by following his sock scent. (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)
As for Ruger, police said the dog earned himself a chew toy.
GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL
“For being able to lead officers near the missing teenager, K9 Ruger earned his favorite toy and lots of ‘Good boy!’!”
