Seligman AZ (February 13, 2013) – Missing Seligman, Arizona boy, two-year old Ryan Garibay, has been reunited with his very grateful family following an over four hour search and rescue effort involving numerous YCSO personnel and community volunteers, along with a DPS Ranger and Guidance helicopter crew flying “Rescue 1.”

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office very much appreciated the eight residents (ranchers) who participated with YCSO crews as part of a coordinated search. As YCSO knows from past experience, the sooner a call is made regarding any missing child, the greater the chances of finding that child quickly and safely. Ryan was located about 2.5 miles from his home along a fence line.

Additionally, Command Staff had activated the C.A.R.T. – Child Abduction Response Team – bringing numerous trained personnel and resources from area agencies including Coconino County, Mojave County, Department of Corrections -Search Dogs-, DPS, Prescott Valley Police, Prescott Police, Cottonwood Police, FBI, to name a few. Although not fully deployed tonight, the quick response and team readiness was evident and appreciated as the search continued into darkness.

Rescue 1 Helicopter and pilot Ben Lewis

In all, about 90 personnel were on scene at the time Ryan was found. Ryan had been in the care of his 81-year-old grandfather at the time.

YCSO Sheriff Scott Mascher issued the following statement, “I would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to all those involved in this effort to find Ryan tonight. This search effort, coordinated by YCSO supervisors, in conjunction with the assistance of those mentioned above, provided the key ingredients to finding Ryan safe and before the extremely cold temperatures that follow sunset.”

For public search and rescue updates, see YCSO information below:

7:05 PM UPDATE – Two Search and Rescue deputies working with a local rancher located Ryan after discovering a series of tracks in the area —- DPS Ranger paramedics have examined the child and confirmed no medical issues. Deputies are in the process of reuniting Ryan with his family.

6:50 PM UPDATE – REGARDING THE MISSING CHILD OUTSIDE SELIGMAN – HE HAS BEEN LOCATED — AWAITING FURTHER DETAILS.

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION — Search Underway Outside Seligman for Missing 2-year-old

The search for a missing 2-year-old is underway in the Hyde Park area of Seligman, Arizona. The missing child is Ryan Garibay who is 2’ 10” tall, 34 pounds, brown hair and eyes, wearing a red plaid jacket, dark colored pajama bottoms and tan boots.

The child was in the care of his grandparent and was last seen around 1:30 p.m. playing in the backyard on Hyde Park Road. While the grandparent was feeding animals, Ryan apparently wandered out of the yard without notice. Several people conducted a search without success and eventually called the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office around 2:30 PM to report Ryan missing.

A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway and includes air support from YCSO Rescue 1 and DPS Ranger.

Further updates when available.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website www.ycsoaz.gov.

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