MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—On Thursday, the Marion Police Department responded to a report concerning the disappearance of 11-year-old Gavin Ostrander, an autistic child.
The police immediately called upon a range of partners to aid in the search effort.
Key participants included the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, which collaborated closely with the police as they often do. The Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association played a vital role in the search, along with the Marion City Fire Department and the Marion City Streets Department, who assisted in scouring the nearby neighborhoods for any sign of Gavin.
Additional support came from the Marion County Juvenile Probation Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, all of whom contributed to the coordinated investigation. The Delaware County Child Abduction Response Team, of which the Marion Police Department is a member, also joined in to help canvass the area effectively.
Combined efforts were further supported by the Marion County Combined Dispatch, which provided crucial assistance to ensure a thorough search operation.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office offered essential guidance during this critical time.
Thanks to the collaboration of these agencies, Gavin was found safe in Indiana.
Additionally, local authorities arrested Bradford Deem, 45, of Veedersburg, Indiana, in connection with the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and charges are expected to be filed in Marion County.
Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald expressed his relief and gratitude, stating: “I am extremely relieved that Gavin was located and will be returning to Marion. I am very thankful for the help of our partners, our officers, and our civilian staff, who worked tirelessly to help find Gavin. I am proud of the community who helped us look for Gavin and provided tips for us to follow up on. I am proud of the work of this entire criminal justice team in our community.”