NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — A massive search operation in North Fort Myers ended in relief Wednesday morning after deputies confirmed that a missing 9-year-old boy has been found safe.
Deakon Levi Stone had been the subject of an urgent search after he was reported missing earlier in the day. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) had issued an alert to the public after the boy was last seen traveling on foot in the vicinity of Monte Isola Way.
The disappearance prompted an immediate response from law enforcement, with deputies deploying to the area to conduct a grid search and canvass the neighborhood. The LCSO had released a physical description of the child to aid in the search, noting that he was wearing a red polo shirt and blue pants at the time he went missing. Deakon, described as standing 4’8″ and weighing approximately 100 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, remained the focus of an intense, coordinated effort throughout the morning hours.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., authorities shared the positive update that the young boy had been located. While the Sheriff’s Office has not released specific details regarding the circumstances of how the child was found or where he was located, they confirmed that he is safe and has been reunited with his family.
The swift resolution of the search comes as a significant relief to the North Fort Myers community, which had been on high alert following the initial disappearance. Officials had urged residents to remain vigilant and report any information regarding the boy’s whereabouts to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000, or anonymously through Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
“We appreciate the public’s assistance and the quick response of our deputies on the ground,” a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office stated following the conclusion of the search.
No further information regarding the incident is expected to be released at this time. Officials thanked the community for their concern and cooperation while the search was underway.
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