The Knox City Police Department says two missing juveniles have been located in Porter County following an investigation that continued through the day and overnight.
According to a press release from Chief Chad Dulin, Detective Matthew Borkholder and Officer Joe West spent much of the investigation following leads, conducting interviews, gathering information and communicating with other agencies.
Dulin said he was also involved in contacting individuals, coordinating resources and assisting officers during the investigation.
Knox police said they communicated and worked with the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Porter County law enforcement, Kouts Police Department, Hebron Police Department, Gary Police Department and agencies in Lake County. The Knox Community School Corporation’s IT Department, teachers and staff also worked with police and provided information during the investigation.
The department also thanked citizens who volunteered, shared information and searched areas where the juveniles may have been located.
In the release, Dulin addressed criticism suggesting Knox officers were not actively searching for the juveniles.
“The fact that we are not constantly posting updates on Facebook does not mean our officers are not working,” Dulin said.
He said missing-person investigations can include interviews, checking residences, reviewing information, making phone calls, working with schools, following leads and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.
Dulin said the department’s first responsibility is conducting the investigation and locating the missing individuals, while social media updates are secondary.
Detective Borkholder continued working the investigation Saturday, according to the release, and the two juveniles were ultimately located in Porter County.
Dulin thanked the law enforcement agencies, school employees, citizens and community members who assisted with the investigation.