WAUKESHA -- A 10-year-old boy with autism has been reunited with his family after being missing for nearly 18 hours.
Andrew Ounkham ran off into a cornfield near his house around 4 p.m. Sunday. Police searched through the night and hundreds of members from the community joined in the efforts this morning, finding success.
Andrew's family said he has gone missing before -- only never for this long -- and they are just relieved he is home safe and sound.
"I mean it's just unbelievable and overwhelming and amazing how many people showed up right away," said Fadara Ounkham, Andrew's mother.
Authorities used K-9 units, drones and thermal imaging to search the area.
Then, just before 10 a.m., a couple of teens -- who like many others had skipped school to help find the autistic child -- spotted him.
Audio from the 911 call is below:
At Green Country and Saylesville roads, Andrew playfully walked towards them.
"We just kind of like turn around and we were like 'Andrew?' and he turns around and looks at us," Adam Lembke said.
"I told the officer, 'Can you take a picture? Whoever found him can you take a picture? So I know for sure you found him,'" Fadara Ounkham said.
Close to 1 p.m., Andrew returned home after a quick trip to the hospital. Other than having a few scratches and mosquito bites, his mother said he is just fine.
While Andrew doesn't comprehend the scare he caused his family, his parents now have a new perspective on their Waukesha community.
"I am just overwhelmed you know, this just brings humanity, perseverance, of all these volunteers that came and want to help out and be very positive. I am just very very grateful," Fadara Ounkham said.
