WINONA, Minn. – Searchers homed-in on a radio-transmitting bracelet worn by an autistic child who wandered off from her family’s home on Valley Oaks Drive. The 8-year-old girl was safe but exhausted. She had been missing three hours. Winona police called in other agencies to help. The girl was found on the steep slope behind the home, up from County Road 17 across Bridges golf course. The girl’s radio bracelet is one that needs monthly recharging, Officers were concerned it might be low on batteries. Such was not the case.
Verbatim
Winona Police: “Thank you to the Winona Fire Department, Winona County Sheriff’s Office, Winona County SOAR team, Winona County Emergency Management, Winona Ambulance, Goodview police, Goodview fire and rescue, LaCrescnt police, Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, state Natural Resources Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, St. Charles police, Wilson fire and first-responders, and the neighbors and concerned citizens that offered water, checked their yards, or assisted in searching. We live in an area filled with big hearts.”