A 14-year-old boy who went missing after his parents forced him to wear a shirt stained with the words “liar” and “cheat” has been found safe just minutes from where he disappeared.
Scottie Dean Morris has been placed in a “secure environment” as officers continue to question his parents after a distressing photo of him in the shirt was used as part of the search.
Scottie had not been seen in his hometown of Eaton, 76 miles northeast of Indianapolis since 8:30 p.m. on March 16.
A missing person alert said he was “believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.”
On Friday night, the Eaton, Indiana Police Department revealed that the teen had been found in a central part of Eaton, about a five-minute walk from the street where he disappeared.
The Eaton Police Department initially released a distressing photo of Scottie wearing a white T-shirt with the words “I’m a liar” handwritten in a felt-tip pen. The image has been removed, but it is believed that Scottie was wearing the shirt when he disappeared.
Records show that the street is the location of the family’s last known address.
The Eaton Indiana Police Department said on Facebook: ‘We have THE BEST update to give. Scottie has been located and found safe.
A further update stated: ‘Scottie D. Morris was located by an Eaton officer at Hartford Street and Harris Street.
Scottie was transported to an IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital emergency room to be checked out as a precaution.
‘At this time, Scottie has been placed in a safe environment with the help of Delaware County CPS.
“The family is cooperating with all aspects of the investigation. Interviews will take place later today.
His aunt also posted the news on Facebook and thanked officers for helping locate the teen.
‘I want to say a HUGE thank you to the Eaton Indiana Police Department and all the surrounding agencies.
‘For all the hard work and time you put into finding my nephew Scottie, I also want to thank all the volunteers who helped find and organize events and donated food, drinks and just all your love and support to bring Scottie home. .
Scottie’s case captured Indiana after she disappeared from East Indiana Avenue last Thursday
Eaton police called off the search for Scottie Monday night ahead of a meeting Tuesday to decide next steps.
His mother, Felicia Morris, pictured, made a desperate appeal to Scottie directly on Monday.
‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you guys are the best!’
Scottie’s case captivated the nation after she disappeared from East Indiana Avenue last Thursday.
Photos surfaced of him looking dejected in a shirt with the words “I’m a liar” handwritten in a felt-tip pen and also appearing to say “I hurt my brother.”
His parents, Felicia and Brian Morris, forced him to wear the jersey as punishment, though it is unclear why.
Both have undergone lie detector tests as part of the police investigation.
The image was used to help locate the boy, but police had to apologize for sharing the “humiliating” image.
Police Chief Jay Turner said it was “the only photo” given to the department and was “shown as an investigative tool”, suggesting it could contain clues to the circumstances of Scottie’s disappearance or help in the search.
The photo was reportedly taken the day Scottie went missing and Chief Turner confirmed to 21 alive that they forced him to use it as punishment.
The missing person note also says he was “last seen wearing black shoes, red and black shorts, and a white T-shirt with writing on the front.” He implies that he was wearing it at the time of his disappearance.
This week, officers were also forced to debunk a number of rumors in the case, including that human remains had been found and that the search for Scottie had been called off.
The search was called off Monday night ahead of a Tuesday meeting between law enforcement officials and other emergency services.
That same night, mother Felicia Morris issued a desperate call urging him to come home.
Mom Brian and Felicia Morris agreed to take polygraph tests as part of the investigation.
Scottie Dean Morris, second from left, with his brothers
The images from the search were uploaded to Facebook earlier this week.
In an emotional appeal to her son, Scottie’s mother said: ‘Scott, I love you and I want you to come home.
‘I know you’re angry and confused and I’m afraid you’re scared about all of this. Everyone is looking out for you, we are not trying to scare you. You’re not in trouble.
‘If you’re in a house and they come to you and you don’t want to go out because it’s the police, contact them. Dad and I will go find you. I love you and I just want you to come home. I need to know that you are safe.
Chief Turner added: “You’re not in trouble, we want to help you, just contact us.” He also said that most of Scottie’s classmates are on spring break and that the police are investigating whether he is hiding in one of his empty houses.
The recent cold weather in the region has also added to concerns for Scottie’s well-being. Recent night temperatures have dipped to 34F.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources had begun a search of local waterways, with boats, sonar systems, drones and scuba teams on standby.