SCOTT TOWNSHIP, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police have released more information after the body of a young boy who went missing Saturday morning was found on Sunday.
Scott Township Police Department Chief Joe Grassley told 28/22 News Sunday afternoon that seven-year-old Aiden Ha walked straight from his home on Old Berwick Road in Scott Township early Saturday morning to the Susquehanna River, a distance of about 30 to 100 yards.
Officials said that Aiden had autism and was non-verbal.
Police explain that police dogs were able to track his scent directly to the water and, after five separate alerts from the K-9s, the search moved from a broader area to the river itself.
Authorities and the community spent most of the day Saturday and Sunday searching the surrounding area and the river for Ha.
A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter from Harrisburg found Ha's body in the river, authorities said.
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Officials explained that the helicopter first saw the body at about 12:15 p.m. during a low-altitude search, where crews were waiting for confirmation before going in.
Police say Ha's body was recovered by the State Police Marine Unit from Philadelphia.
Police Chief Grassley confirms Ha's body was recovered at about 12:30 p.m. Sunday, about half a mile south of the home.
Authorities have confirmed the body found as Ha and say the incident appears to be accidental.
The Scott Township Police Department said his family has been notified.
Police added that there are no charges being brought against the family amid this incident.
Police Chief Grassley described the operation as "a tremendous effort, utilizing resources from across the state, including drones, dogs, helicopters, and boats."
Police say nothing appears to be suspicious at this time and expressed thanks to the community for their cooperation and support in finding Ha, noting many members of the commonwealth helped even though they did not personally know the seven-year-old.
Authorities say an autopsy will not be performed.
28/22 News is still learning more about this situation and will update when more information becomes available.
