Gastonia, February 6, 2026
In a remarkable rescue, K-9 Bo of the Gastonia Police Department successfully located a missing 13-year-old boy with special needs during a severe snowstorm. The child, who had wandered away from home, was found cold but unharmed, thanks to the rapid response and teamwork of multiple agencies, including the police and emergency medical services. Despite the challenging blizzard conditions, K-9 Bo demonstrated his exceptional tracking abilities, leading to the child’s safe reunion with his family.
Gastonia
Heroic K-9 Bo Locates Missing Teen Amidst Gastonia Snowstorm
In a testament to unwavering dedication and specialized training, K-9 Bo, a highly skilled bloodhound with the Gastonia Police Department, successfully located a missing 13-year-old boy with special needs who had wandered from his home during a severe snowstorm on Saturday, January 31, in Gastonia, North Carolina. The boy, who has autism, was found cold but otherwise unharmed, bringing a safe conclusion to a rapidly escalating search effort.
The incident unfolded as a historic nor’easter brought blizzard conditions and freezing temperatures to the region, dropping approximately a foot of snow on Gastonia and the surrounding Gaston County. The young teen had left his residence on foot without proper winter clothing, placing him at serious risk due to the dangerously cold and snowy environment.
Intense Search in Treacherous Conditions
Upon receiving a missing persons alert for the 13-year-old, multiple agencies swiftly mobilized to establish a search perimeter around the boy’s home. The Gastonia Police Department, Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, and Gaston Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) immediately collaborated, recognizing the urgency posed by the severe weather. Sgt. Rowland, K-9 Bo’s handler, quickly engaged in the search. K-9 Bo was given a scent article—an item of the boy’s worn clothing—and began tracking in the dark through the heavy snow.
Working against time and the challenging terrain, Bo demonstrated his exceptional scent-tracking abilities. The snow and turbulent wind presented significant obstacles, with the handler noting that a scent can easily be diminished or blown away under such conditions. Despite these difficulties, K-9 Bo persistently navigated through the deep snow and darkness, described by officials as “basically a snowplow” with his nose to the ground. The city experienced treacherous road conditions that day, with Gastonia police responding to 32 vehicle crashes.
Safe Resolution and Community Relief
The extensive search culminated when the missing child wandered into the secured perimeter established by the emergency personnel, where he was spotted by Gaston Emergency Medical Services. He was safely reunited with his family and, despite the cold exposure, did not require medical care. The successful outcome was attributed to the rapid response, strong teamwork among all agencies involved, and the specialized efforts of K-9 Bo.
Officials from the Gastonia Police Department commended the collective dedication that led to the child’s safe return. This event underscores the critical role that highly trained K-9 units play in search and rescue operations, especially when facing extreme environmental challenges and vulnerable individuals.
K-9 Bo’s National Recognition
K-9 Bo is no stranger to heroic deeds. He was previously recognized nationally, receiving the prestigious Top Dog award at the 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. This national award celebrates extraordinary canines for their significant contributions to public safety and their communities. Bo, a bloodhound, has an established record of unwavering dedication to search and rescue operations, tracking missing persons, and assisting in criminal apprehensions. His keen sense of smell and extensive training have made him an invaluable asset in numerous cases, providing crucial support to law enforcement officers in the field and bringing peace of mind to families during difficult times.
This recent rescue further highlights the invaluable service that K-9 Bo and his handler, Sgt. Rowland, provide to Gastonia and demonstrates the profound impact of canine partners in ensuring community safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was rescued during the recent snowstorm in Gastonia?
A 13-year-old boy with special needs was rescued after wandering from his home during a severe snowstorm in Gastonia, North Carolina, on Saturday, January 31.
Which police K-9 was involved in the rescue?
K-9 Bo, a bloodhound with the Gastonia Police Department, was instrumental in locating the missing boy.
What were the weather conditions during the search?
The search took place during a historic nor’easter that brought blizzard conditions, freezing temperatures, and approximately a foot of snow to Gastonia.
What national recognition has K-9 Bo received?
K-9 Bo received the prestigious Top Dog award at the 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Awards, a national recognition for extraordinary canines in public safety.
Which agencies participated in the search operation?
The Gastonia Police Department, Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, and Gaston Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) collaborated in the search.
Key Features of the Gastonia K-9 Rescue
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Date | Saturday, January 31 | State-level |
| Location | Gastonia, North Carolina | State-level |
| Missing Individual | 13-year-old boy with special needs (autism) | State-level |
| Rescue K-9 | K-9 Bo (Bloodhound) | State-level |
| Handler | Sgt. Rowland | State-level |
| Weather Conditions | Severe snowstorm (historic nor’easter, blizzard conditions, freezing temperatures, approximately a foot of snow) | State-level |
| Outcome | Boy found cold but unharmed, reunited with family | State-level |
| Agencies Involved | Gastonia Police Department, Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, Gaston Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) | State-level |
| National Recognition for K-9 Bo | 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Awards “Top Dog” award | Nationwide |
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