Overview
- The rescue, which happened April 21, is shown in newly shared Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office body-camera video that circulated early this week.
- K-9 Ruger picked up the teen’s scent from a sock and pulled handler Officer Chris Havens and patrol officers toward Beach Boulevard and Ryar Road.
- Officers then heard the teenager yelling for help from a business parking lot, where they found him and Ruger approached with a friendly lick.
- Police said the teen received a checkup at the scene and was reunited with family after being found safe.
- The sheriff’s office credited the K-9 team’s role in the fast find and said Ruger earned his favorite toy, underscoring why scent-tracking dogs are key in cases involving people with autism.