Missing Girl Found Safe After Massive Search In SE Minnesota

NERSTRAND - (AP) - A missing 4-year-old girl is safely home after a massive community search in southeastern Minnesota.

Sawyer Hanson was playing in the yard of her family's farm near Nerstrand around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when she wandered off. Her father and aunt looked for her but became worried when they couldn't find her and called authorities.

Police say the girl is known to follow cats into farm fields.

Reports estimate 160 first responders and up to 50 family members and friends gathered to search nearby fields. A State Patrol helicopter and drones also were used to try to find Sawyer.

The girl was found around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday walking out of a field. A family friend saw Sawyer and took her to an officer.