Scottie Morris: Indiana teen found safe after week-long search as cops slammed over 'sad' missing photo
EATON, INDIANA: Scottie Morris, 14, has been located more than a week after going missing from his house. Scottie was found alive and safe, according to a late Friday night announcement from Eaton, Indiana police. Eaton is located about 76 miles north of Indianapolis. The teenager was last spotted leaving his family's Eaton home on Thursday, March 16.
The police department, at approximately 10.58 pm, released an update that read, "We have one of the best updates to give. Scottie has been located and found safe! Medics are checking him out right now and we will be conducting interviews." The release added, "We want to thank all of the agencies, departments, & volunteers that helped!" as reported by The Sun.
READ MORE
Although Scottie's whereabouts were the subject of a thorough police search, it is not known yet where he was located. On March 17, the missing teen's case received a Silver Alert from Indiana state police, which is only sent out under unique circumstances, such as when a missing person is a child in danger. Almost 100 volunteers formed a search party that combed the small town in search of the teen. Due to Scottie's apparent sadness in the photograph used in the Eaton police missing person flier, there was an uproar online, as per reports.
Scottie was sporting t-shirt with 'liar' emblazoned
Scottie was sporting a white t-shirt with the word "liar" emblazoned on the front and looked extremely upset. Eaton Police Chief Jay Turner issued an apology to the public for the bizarre photo, claiming that it was the middle school student's online photo that had been sent to them.
Scottie's parents had a polygraph examination
Turner wrote, "When posting Scottie was not in trouble with the department, we meant we were here to help him and it is the intent of every officer to find him safely." According to Turner, the police agency just wanted to alert the public as quickly as possible about the teen's abduction. Scottie allegedly ran away from home on a frigid night wearing only a t-shirt and shorts. Following his disappearance, Scottie's parents had a polygraph examination; they were found to be unrelated to his case, according to authorities, as reported by The Sun.
'I love you and I want you to come home'
Turner claimed that they were cooperative at all times. Scottie's mother publicly pleaded for her son's safe return prior to his finding. She told the Indianapolis ABC affiliate WRTV, “I love you and I want you to come home. I know that you’re mad and confused. Everyone is out looking for you, and we’re not trying to scare you.”