MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Flock cameras are being credited with the quick reunification of a child with his family Saturday.
The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department received a report of an abduction at 12:50 p. m. Saturday and issued a press release with a description of the child and suspect, vehicle type and license number and before 2:15 p.m. the child had been located and the suspect was in custody.
Sheriff Todd Forbes said Sean Blaney took his 9-year-old nephew, Jackson Blaney, for a walk, and fled with the child in his father’s truck.
During the immediate search that followed the suspect’s vehicle was entered into the system and added to the hotlist in accordance with Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office Flock camera policy.
That information developed a “hit” that led police to the suspect vehicle at the Suncrest Towne Center. After the information was verified deputies were able to speak with the suspect and safely recover the child.
Jackson Blaney was safely recovered unharmed, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
“Our highest priority in any call we receive will always be the safety and well-being of our children and citizens,” Forbes said. “Every second counts when a child is in danger, and our community can rest assured that our department will deploy every resource available to protect our youth and bring them home safely.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Further details regarding criminal charges will be released as they become available.
Deputies were assisted by the West Virginia State Police.