Infant found alive in dog crate after missing for a day in South Carolina
An 11-month-old boy who disappeared while his grandmother ran errands was rescued from a dog crate buried in a wooded area, and his father was arrested on burglary charges.
Lexington County authorities rescued an 11-month-old infant on Tuesday after a day-long search in the woods near the boy's grandfather's home. The child was discovered buried in a dog crate wrapped in a towel, which investigators said may have created an air pocket that helped him survive.
Sheriff Jay Koon said the boy was found "clinging to life" and noted that the cool temperatures likely contributed to his survival. The infant was taken to a hospital, though his condition was not immediately released.
Police arrested the child's father, Michael Comer, 25, on a burglary charge and are holding him without bond while prosecutors consider additional charges. Surveillance footage showed Comer without the infant on Monday afternoon, and deputies reported that the child's mother had left him in Comer's care while she ran an errand.
Nearly 100 first responders participated in the search. A great-aunt who was present at the rescue said the family was relieved to know the boy was safe.
The sheriff noted that the child's parents have prior domestic-violence related incidents and that children can become caught in such situations.
The Associated Press contributed to the report.