Liberty County Juvenile Found Safe After Fleeing Midway Middle School

On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at approximately 9:26 a.m., a juvenile fled from the front office of Midway Middle School in Liberty County. School staff observed the student running down the 200 Hallway and exiting through exterior doors, heading toward Edgewater Drive and GA 38. Staff lost sight of the child near the school, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.

Deputies from multiple Liberty County Sheriff’s Office divisions—including Patrol, Civil, Traffic, Narcotics, SRO, K9, and Detectives—were dispatched to locate the juvenile. An entry was made on GCIC/NCIC classifying him as a runaway, and an all-alert broadcast with the child’s description was sent to available personnel. Family members, friends, and school staff also joined in the search, using school security cameras and facial recognition alerts to track potential sightings.

The LCSO deployed its drone and Tracking K9 “Trustee,” handled by Deputy Tomlinson, to help search the area. Staff conducted room-to-room sweeps to ensure the student had not re-entered the school building.

At approximately 6:40 p.m., after nearly nine hours, former LCSO Deputy Cassandra Carter deployed her retired tracking K9 “Legend” with permission from sheriff’s command. Shortly thereafter, the juvenile emerged from the woods near the school and was safely recovered by his mother. He was then transported for medical clearance.

Investigators noted that the juvenile had intentionally avoided law enforcement and school staff and was not lost. No injuries were reported. Authorities expressed gratitude to all personnel, family, and community members whose coordinated efforts ensured the child’s safe return. The investigation remains ongoing.