A young child went missing in Palisade, Colorado, on Sunday morning and took off on a golf cart, sparking a swift search by local deputies. The child was located safe and sound just over an hour later after a deputy hopped into the vehicle to stop it on a nearby road.

Initial Report Sparks Quick Response

Deputies from the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office received a call at around 7:55 a.m. about a lost child in the 600 block of Brentwood Drive. The report came in on November 16, 2025, and right away, officers from the Palisade Police Department joined the effort to comb the neighborhood.

Search teams fanned out through the residential area, looking in backyards and along streets. To speed things up, officials sent out a reverse 911 alert to homes in Palisade, asking residents to keep an eye out for the child.

This first alert went live at 8:27 a.m., and it covered the whole town. People in the community started checking their properties and calling in any sightings.

Resident Sighting Shifts the Search

Just five minutes after the initial alert ended, a local resident spotted the child on a golf cart parked on the 100 block of West 1st Street. The tip came straight to dispatch, giving deputies a fresh lead.

When officers arrived at the spot, the golf cart and child had already moved on. This quick change prompted a second reverse 911 alert, this time to a wider area that mentioned the golf cart details.

The expanded alert reached more people, including those outside the main town limits. It helped build a network of eyes on the ground, turning neighbors into helpers.

Drone and Teamwork Track the Path

With the new info, a drone took to the air to scan from above for the slow-moving golf cart. At the same time, dispatch got a flood of calls about the child’s changing route through town.

Officers from the Grand Junction Police Department teamed up with the deputies, following leads as they came in. The golf cart headed north, weaving along local roads and drawing attention from drivers and walkers.

This mix of tech and human input kept the search focused and fast. The drone provided overhead views, while ground teams chased real-time tips.

• Reverse 911 alerts notified hundreds of residents quickly.
• Drone footage helped spot movement in open areas.
• Community calls reported sightings every few minutes.
• Multi-agency support covered more ground than one team alone.

Deputy’s Bold Move Ends the Chase Safely

By 9:15 a.m., deputies and officers caught up to the golf cart heading north on 29 Road. The vehicle moved slowly, which let a deputy jump aboard to bring it to a stop without any risk.

The child showed no signs of injury, and the situation wrapped up peacefully. Guardians took the child home right away, while the golf cart went back to its owners.

No one got hurt in the whole event, a relief for everyone involved. Officials kept details light due to the child’s young age, around seven years old.

Community Role and Safety Tips Highlighted

The quick resolution showed how vital community involvement can be in these cases. Residents’ fast reports turned a potential worry into a success story, much like other recent child safety efforts in Colorado where alerts saved time.

Experts note that golf carts often pop up in quiet towns like Palisade, used for short trips but not always secure for kids. This incident reminds families to lock vehicles and teach young ones about staying close.

Similar events, like a recent missing kid case in nearby areas solved by neighbor tips, underline the power of local networks. It also stresses checking on children during busy mornings.

As Palisade recovers from the scare, officials praise the teamwork that kept things calm. Share your thoughts on child safety in the comments below, and pass this story along to help spread awareness.