Fort Wayne police confirmed Wednesday night that 10-year-old Joziah Wells, reported missing just hours earlier, has been located and is safe with his family. The news brought instant relief to a community that had mobilized within minutes of the alert.
The boy vanished around 6:43 p.m. while walking south on Oliver Street. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and brown pants. Hundreds of residents shared his photo, neighbors searched yards and alleys, and officers canvassed the area on foot and with drones.
Police say Joziah was found shortly before 10 p.m. less than a mile from where he was last seen. Authorities have not released exact details about where or how he was located, citing the ongoing investigation and the family’s privacy.
“Joziah is safe and back home with his loved ones,” Fort Wayne Police Sgt. Jeremy Webb told 21Alive. “This is the outcome we always hope for. Thank you to everyone who shared the alert and kept watch.”
The quick resolution prevented the case from escalating to an Amber Alert, which requires specific criteria including evidence of abduction. Investigators say there is no indication Joziah was taken against his will.
Community Steps Up Within Minutes
News of the missing child spread like wildfire on neighborhood Facebook groups and Nextdoor. Within 30 minutes, dozens of residents were walking streets with flashlights. Local business owners checked surveillance footage. One corner store owner even printed flyers on the spot.
“It was freezing outside, but nobody hesitated,” said Rachel Carter, who lives two blocks from Oliver Street. “When it’s a kid, you just move.”
A Grateful Family Speaks
Joziah’s mother, reached by phone late Wednesday, asked for privacy but shared a short statement through police.
“Thank you to every single person who prayed, shared, and searched,” she said. “We are holding our baby tight tonight.”
Another Close Call in Fort Wayne
This marks at least the third time in the past 18 months that a Fort Wayne child reported missing has been found safe within hours. In each case, rapid community response and social media sharing played a key role.
Child safety experts say most missing children cases involving kids under 12 are resolved quickly when the public acts fast.
“Minutes matter,” said Michelle Batchelor of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Indiana branch. “Tonight proves again that when a community comes together, children come home.”
Joziah is back home resting. His family says he is doing well after the frightening experience.
The outpouring of support continues online, with hundreds of Fort Wayne residents posting messages of relief under the original alert posts. Many are now sharing photos of their own kids with the simple caption: “Hug them extra tonight.”
