Overview
- The 13-year-old with special needs left his Gastonia home during the height of the storm without proper clothing, prompting a high‑risk search.
- Bloodhound Bo was given a scent article and led his handler through snow and darkness while police, the sheriff’s office and EMS formed a secured perimeter.
- EMS spotted the child after he wandered into that perimeter, and he was found cold but unharmed before being taken to safety.
- Authorities described treacherous conditions, with Gastonia police handling 32 crashes that day and more than 50 stranded vehicles the day before.
- The department praised quick action and teamwork and highlighted Bo’s performance; the dog was named American Humane’s Hero Dog of the Year in 2024.