32 missing children located in 3-week operation, officials say

AKRON, Ohio (Gray News) – Authorities in Ohio say 32 missing children were recovered after “Operation Homecoming” was conducted in the Akron and Summit County areas.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot said the three-week operation was focused on the safe recovery of missing children.

The operation was a joint endeavor between the U.S. Marshals Service, the Akron Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

From Aug. 19 to Sept. 6, members of the Missing Child Unit worked with Akron Police and Summit County Sheriff’s Deputies to identify missing and endangered children in the area.

Officials said they were able to safely recover and locate 32 missing children in that timeframe. The ages of the children ranged from 13 to 18 years old.

“Dedicated work by our Missing Child Unit along with Akron Police and the Sheriff’s Office have made an incredible impact in the safe recovery of these children. The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to dedicate its time and resources to the safe recovery of missing children in our communities throughout northern Ohio,” Elliot said.

Some of the missing children were recovered in the Akron area. Others were found in Cleveland, and one child reported missing in April 2022 was safely found in Washington state.

Officials said Summit County Children’s Services were on hand to ensure resources were available for the children that were recovered, particularly those who had been missing for a longer period of time.

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