On Friday, July 31, at 5:18 pm the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was called to 427 SW Breckenridge Lane near Fort White due to a missing 10 year old child. Family members of Katelynn Mosher, 10 reported her as a runaway, which prompted the search.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the family has been experiencing behavior problems with Katelynn and she is a habitual runaway. Due to the issues, they check on her frequently and they discovered her missing at 3 am. The family stated they did not call immediately fearing DCF would take Katelynn. After they searched all day, the family notified CCSO. The family told Deputies that Katelynn had taken bread, peanut butter and cereal when she left.
When deputies arrived and learned the details, Detectives, DOC K9 support, FWC officers, Columbia County Fire Rescue and an Air unit from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office quickly joined the growing law enforcement presence near the home to search for Katelynn.
The Sheriff’s Office set up a command post near the home and detectives and deputies began canvassing the neighborhood while the dog teams tracked throughout the night. FWC officers on ATV’s checked the state land near the home and Columbia County Fire Rescue utilized their thermal imaging equipment to scan the woods.
On Saturday, August 1, at 5:30 am, family members riding along the roads yelling her name got her to answer and she was located in the woods near Elim Church Road and Junction over 1 mile away.
Katelynn was taken to a hospital to be checked as a precaution and afterward will be in the custody of DCF as they provide services to Katelynn and her family.
“I’m grateful for all the assistance provided from the numerous agencies that partnered with us to find Katelynn”, Sheriff Mark Hunter said “This incident concluded with the best possible outcome; Katelynn is safe and the family will get the help it needs.”
