BOUNTIFUL, Utah (KUTV) — An Endangered Missing Advisory was canceled after a missing 5-year-old was found and reunited with his mother.
The 5-year-old was found at about 2:15 a.m. Saturday, two days after he went missing on Thursday.
Officials with Bountiful Police said the advisory was sent out after investigators “determined the child’s safety could be at risk.”
They said the child was picked up from his non-custodial father for a visit, and when his mother went to pick him up, the father and son were gone.
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The mother, who has sole legal custody of the child, reported that the father had sent her an email claiming he had taken his son “away” to prevent him from having surgery.
The boy was scheduled to have adenoid removal surgery on Thursday, a common surgery for children.
Police announced the 5-year-old was found safe, thanking all who helped bring “this case to a positive conclusion.”
“Throughout the week, Bountiful Investigators worked tirelessly, following every possible lead and working closely with family members to ensure the child’s safe recovery. After extensive efforts and community cooperation, the child was safely located and reunited with the custodial parent,” police said.
The father, identified as 45-year-old Benjamin Despain, was arrested and booked without bail into the Davis County Correctional Facility. Police said he is facing charges related to custodial interference.
KUTV has removed the child’s name and photos to protect his identity.
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