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An 11-month-old boy named Koah Sharpe was rescued after being found buried alive in a dog crate in Lexington County, South Carolina. The child was reported missing on Monday after his mother left him with his father, Michael Comer, while she ran errands, according to ABC News.
Authorities located Comer late Monday night, but Koah was not with him. A search party of nearly 100 first responders began looking for the baby. On Tuesday afternoon, they found "freshly disturbed" dirt about 50 yards into the woods near Comer's father's house. As they started digging, they heard Koah crying, WIS reported.
Koah was found wrapped in a towel inside the crate, which likely helped create an air pocket that allowed him to survive for approximately 24 hours, according to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. "God is good," Koon said. "Just a few moments ago, we found little Koah Sharpe, 11 months old, buried alive, clinging to life, crying. The most joyful sound you ever heard of a crying baby," he added, as reported by FOX.
Koah is currently receiving care at a hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Comer was initially arrested on burglary and resisting arrest charges, and authorities are working with the local solicitor's office to determine additional charges. Comer had a history of legal issues, including a recent probation for aggravated breach of peace and previous arrests for domestic violence and a weapons-related charge.
The sheriff noted that an Amber Alert was not issued because Comer did not have access to a vehicle, which is a requirement for issuing such an alert. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determining the next steps in the case.