In Alabama, a search is ongoing for a missing 4-year-old boy, Johnathan Everett Boley. He was last seen on New Year’s Eve. The child disappeared around 11:30 a.m. near Highway 195, close to Jasper, Alabama. This small city is located approximately 40 miles northwest of Birmingham.
Details of the Missing Child Case
Johnathan has blond hair and blue eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he wore a yellow Mickey Mouse shirt, black pants, and Paw Patrol shoes. His 6-year-old brother and their dog were with him when he vanished.
Search Operations
- The Walker County Sheriff’s Office received a report about Johnathan around 12:30 p.m.
- Initial search efforts included ground and aerial searches utilizing helicopters with thermal detection equipment and canines.
- These searches continued until 3 a.m. and resumed Thursday morning.
Challenges in the Search
During the search, law enforcement discovered explosive devices on Johnathan’s father’s property. Sheriff Nick Smith stated that the father was arrested on an explosives-related charge, but emphasized that this charge was unrelated to the search for Johnathan.
The father’s military background is noted, although the reason for the explosives remains unclear. Local residents reported hearing explosions in the area for weeks. Notably, one neighbor heard an explosion around 4 a.m. on the day Johnathan was reported missing.
Family Background
Johnathan’s parents are separated. His mother relocated to Florida last year. As part of their custody arrangement, the father was granted visitation rights for five days a year. She traveled to Alabama from Florida on Wednesday evening to assist in the search.
Current Status of the Search
As search efforts continue, Johnathan’s dog remains unaccounted for. Sheriffs reported that the dog appeared daily on neighbors’ cameras until December 26th.
- Over 500 acres were covered during the search on Thursday with the efforts of 126 first responders from various agencies.
- 161 volunteers also participated in the search operation.
Explosives found near the father’s home hampered volunteer efforts, but officials later confirmed that the devices were not explosive. Volunteers are set to resume searching at 7 a.m. on Friday.
The community is rallying for Johnathan’s safe return as authorities work tirelessly to locate the missing child. El-Balad will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
