Bloodhound Bo Leads Police to Missing Boy Hidden in Maryland Woods

• by Shimanta Das
• October 9, 2026

A missing-child call that came into Prince George’s County Police just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday set off a nearly three-hour search that ended with a bloodhound named Bo sniffing out a boy hidden in thick brush, just feet from the roar of traffic on MD-210. The successful recovery highlights the vital role of police K9 units in critical missing person cases, especially when a child’s safety is at risk.

The urgency of the search was amplified because the child has an invisible disability, according to Prince George’s County Police Chief George Nader. “This was a critical missing case because the child has an invisible disability,” Nader said. “I’m happy to say that every critical missing child in Prince George’s County has been recovered safely and returned home.” The boy had wandered away from his home near Virginia Water Drive and Ashgreen Court around 1 p.m., prompting a coordinated effort by police and first responders.

In a separate incident, deputies responded to a residence on Fireberry Ct. in Prince Frederick, MD, for the report of “Missing Persons” shortly after 4:45 p.m. on December 1, 2020. It was a happy homecoming for 7-year-old twins Annabelle and Abigail Thanksgiving day after the girls went missing and were reunited with family after several hours of playing in the woods. The twins had been playing in the woods and were found safe after an extensive search.

These cases underscore the effectiveness of police K9 units and the importance of rapid response in missing child investigations. The bloodhound Bo’s ability to track a scent through dense brush near a busy highway demonstrates the invaluable resource that trained dogs provide. As Chief Nader noted, the safe recovery of every critical missing child is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and the community. Parents are reminded to remain vigilant, especially when children have conditions that may make them prone to wandering.