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News Conference held with Jesse Young's family

Missing Mayes County 2-year-old found safe
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Posted at 3:51 PM, May 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-08 16:25:27-04

MAYES COUNTY, Okla. — UPDATE:

Just after 1 p.m. on Thursday, authorities say that missing 2-year-old Jesse Young had been found safe.

Mayes County Sheriff says that dozens of agencies worked the search, including the FBI, who joined in the search today.

Mayes Co Sheriff says the boy is scratched up but smiling, he's talking about his Nana and family, and he's shellshocked, but good.

The sheriff continued by saying Jesse Young is startled by all the unfamiliar faces.

2 Works for You's Ashley Wheeler had more on Jesse Young being found safe:

Mayes County Sheriff's Office says in a Facebook post that they are thankful for everyone involved in the search.

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Jesse Dale Young went missing Wednesday around 11 a.m. on his family's property north from the town of Salina, officials said. He was last seen wearing a diaper and blue Croc style shoes.

“We’re upset but right now, we’re just stuck in the mode of trying to find him,” said Steve Smith, Jesse's uncle.

Jesse's family said he was at his grandma’s house and went to get a toy from his house right next door and he hasn’t been seen since. His family said he’s a great kid who is independent and is often seen hanging out with his dogs.

“He’ll run and play with the dogs and things like that," Smith said. "They’re his sidekicks. But of course, he’s never gone this far or been gone this long.”

Search crews from Mayes County, Rogers County and other agencies used a drone, K-9’s and went out on horseback and foot. One of their biggest challenges is the terrain.

“You’ve got ridges, you’ve got thickage, you’ve got woods, heavily wooded areas," said Major Rod Howell with the Mayes County Sheriff's Office. "When it gets darker, you’re gonna have night creatures that are out here as well.”

Many people from the town of Salina came out to support the family and help search. Hoping to bring Jesse home.

“People in a rural area kind of stick together and as you can tell everybody’s sticking together," Howell said. "Everybody’s trying to come together for this child and for this family.”

A helicopter searched the area Wednesday night using infrared technology to hopefully pick up a heat signature from Jesse.

Mayes County Emergency Management is asking anyone who is interested in donating food, water, bug spray, paper goods to not drive to the area, instead they can bring donations to the Salina Public School Cafeteria. They ask those interested in helping with the search to meet at the Salina football field.

CLICK HERE to view photos of the search scene on Wednesday.

Watch live coverage here in this article, on kjrh.com, our app or your streaming device.

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