Missing Child Located in NW Detroit

Northlawn & Santa Clara in NW Detroit

Missing Juvenile Located- NW Detroit

Detroit Police 12th Precinct had been working a missing juvenile case in the area of Northlawn & Santa Clara since approximately 10:55 PM last night, Friday Jan 23 2026.

The child ran from his guardians on Northlawn and was last seen heading south toward McNichols. He was not properly clothed for the extreme cold conditions.

A large-scale search was immediately launched, involving multiple precincts, Michigan State Police aviation (Trooper 2), and at least one K9 unit were also involved. Officers checked Green Light camera footage, followed up on tips from residents, established a command post, and conducted a coordinated grid search of the area.

At approximately 2:30 AM Saturday morning, officers located the child walking on Northlawn near Santa Maria.

EMS was dispatched to evaluate the child, who is being conveyed to Children’s Hospital out of an abundance of caution. The child’s mother is also being transported to the hospital by officers from the 12th Precinct.

Tragedy averted.

I hesitated to post about the search out of concern for interfering with the operation or potentially placing the child in further danger. Unfortunately, not everyone in this world has good intentions.

The most important outcome is this: the child is safe and receiving medical care if needed.