Overview
- Police located eight-year-old Noah late Friday uninjured in a private home in Heppenheim, where he was with his mother, and returned him to youth services.
- Authorities are investigating the 46-year-old mother on suspicion of abducting a minor because she did not hold custody, and she was released to her residence after initial procedures.
- The social department says Noah has been placed at a secure location outside Frankfurt for his protection and is being cared for by experienced staff.
- Officials rebut the aunt’s social-media allegations of mistreatment in the residential facility, while declining to disclose the legal basis for the custody decision.
- The search began after a school transport dropped Noah off Wednesday but he did not attend class, prompting a large operation with about 150 officers, a helicopter, dogs, and water police, and his school satchel was later found near the campus.