TAYLORSVILLE, Ind.–Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputies and the Columbus Fire Department responded to Taylorsville Elementary School Thursday evening in regard to a missing juvenile. On arrival, officers soon made contact with family members of nine-year-old Kelsea Manza who said they last saw her walking toward the school.
At approximately 12:14 a.m., rescuers located Kelsea lying in bushes near the school. Due to cool, wet weather conditions, Kelsea was transported to Columbus Regional Health for medical clearance. She had no injuries. Detective Terry Holderness is continuing the investigation.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers shares steps of what parents should take with all kids and “what to do” if a child goes missing. First, immediately contact law enforcement and provide up-to-date information and photographs of the child.
Also:
- Teach your child his/her address and phone numbers of family members
- Provide physical characteristics: height, weight, hair and eye color
- Provide any distinguishing characteristics: glasses, contacts, braces, birthmarks, etc.
- Provide medical information: medications, allergies, physician and contact numbers.
- Make sure your child is fingerprinted
- Take a head-and-shoulders photo of your child and update it every six months
