Tag: days

A massive search for an Australian boy who has autism and is non-verbal ended in jubilation Monday after cops found the 3-year-old sitting in a creek bed and drinking water from his hands.

The incredible moment was captured on video by a police helicopter that was flying over a wooded area near his family’s rural property in Putty, north of Sydney. The video shows Anthony “AJ” Elfalak wearing diapers and a sweatshirt as he repeatedly cupped water in his hands to drink and wash his face.

The discovery ended a three-day search that drew global headlines and involved hundreds of emergency workers and volunteers, including police, firefighters, divers, helicopter teams and K-9 units.

The boy appeared to be in good condition but was taken to a hospital for observation, authorities said. His father, Anthony Elfalak, said AJ only had some abrasions and diaper rash and had been bitten by ants.