Deputy Swims to Rescue Missing 9-Year-Old With Autism

When Deputy Matthew Camp spotted a missing 9-year-old boy with autism in a body of water near Hollywood, Maryland, he didn't hesitate to jump in and swim to the rescue.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office responded on July 17 after the child was reported missing. A coordinated search immediately began, bringing together deputies, Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police, aviation support from Trooper 7, and multiple local fire and EMS agencies.

Search crews located the child in nearby water. Deputy Camp immediately entered the water, swam to the boy, and brought him safely back to shore.

Medical personnel evaluated the child at the scene before reuniting him with his family. The Sheriff's Office confirmed the boy was doing well after the rescue.

Body-worn camera footage released by the department captured the tense moments of the rescue. The video shows Deputy Camp in the water with the child, carefully guiding him toward safety as other first responders coordinated on shore.

Sunny's Take

This rescue showcases what happens when training meets compassion. Deputy Camp's quick action and the seamless coordination between multiple agencies turned a parent's worst nightmare into a story of hope.

Children with autism sometimes wander toward water, making these searches time-critical. The teamwork between law enforcement, aviation support, and emergency services created the perfect response that brought this little boy home safely.

The Sheriff's Office credited the professionalism and courage of everyone involved for the positive outcome. For one Maryland family, that teamwork meant everything.

Today, a 9-year-old boy is safely back with his family because first responders showed up, worked together, and refused to give up.