Missing Boy Found Overnight
Missing Boy Found Overnight Save Email Print
Reporter: Abby Barnett
Email Address: abby.barnett@kake.com
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Police officers discovered a missing boy unharmed early this morning at an east Wichita Wal-Mart.

Wichita Police Sgt. Anna Hatter said 10-year-old Gregory Ransom went missing at about 1:00 p.m. at the Falcon Pointe Apartment Complex in the 4200 Blk. of S. Hydraulic.

Gregory's mother said she allowed her son to go outside to play, but when the boy's sister went to get him, Gregory was nowhere to be found.

Policed used search dogs and a helicopter to look for the young child. As hope was waning, police received a call from a Wal-Mart employee saying a child had been in the store for quite some time playing video games.

Gregory later admitted he stopped at Book-A-Holic before heading to Wal-Mart. He said he never realized how many people were looking for him. He still hasn't said why he left on his 11-mile journey, but says he is happy to be home.
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Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 05:42 PM
So, since nothing is safe anymore, we should wrap them in bubble-wrap and lock them in their room? Though close, I am not over 30. There were pedophiles, guns and drugs when I was growing up too. But crimes against children were not as sensationalized by the "media" back then. The world really hasn't changed all that much, but the way that we view it has. Face it, if it bleeds, it leads. We have TVs in every room of our house, radios in every car, electronic billboards, and "always on" connections to the internet. Gangs in early 1900's New York were EXTREMELY violent, only instead of guns, they used clubs and knives. Little children were even involved in the "gang wars". Instead of raising children in a vacuum, we should be teaching them responsibility and how to handle what life throws at them. I am not suggesting we expose them to unecessary risk, but we can't protect them from growing up either.
Posted by: ;pduigfja;ti n;jlhfdulkbljtrhl on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:22 PM
he needs a good-old fashion type of punishment!!!
Posted by: Lauren on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Anonymous....you are probably older then 30 when times were different & it was ok to roam around the town. Things are not like that anymore, there are sex offenders running the streets, gangs, guns, drugs & god knows what else. Nothing is safe anymore.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:31 PM
I think we all agree that bad things can happen to kids in an instant. I think we should also all be able to admit that it is impossible to watch your children, of any age, every second. It is odd;in some ways, we push our children to grow up faster - we didn't have to learn to read in Kindergarten, but when it comes to accountability, responsibility and trust, we baby them. I can remember going outside to play - prior to age 10, and roaming the neighborhood with all the other kids until we were called in for dinner or at dark. We walked to school, we went to the donut shop on weekends, walked to the playground. We didn't carry cell phones, we didn't talk to strangers. At age 12, I was babysitting for younger kids. There are so many bad things that can happen, it is amazing that any of us make it to adulthood. My 7 year old goes out to play or ride his bike, and I TRUST him to stay within the boundaries that I have set. If he doesn't, I discipline him, but I don't keep him on a leash.
Posted by: All of wichita on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Tina...GTH!
Posted by: citizen Location: Derby on Sep 9, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Im concerned about how the police are complaining about wasted resources. Why were all of those resources needed? I understand, but dogs, horses, helicopters, AND divers. I am a mother and would appreciate all that help but i wonder if i would get the same. I think it was a rushed decision to activate all those rescuers. I'm extremely glad to hear the boy is safe but, I don't agree with how the city is complaining. Someone in the police dept. is the one who dispatched all of that, not any citizens now we will have to pay. I think the situation should be assessed better if there ever is a next time.
Posted by: CC Location: Wichita on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:16 AM
To Concerned Educator: Rather than complaining, do something about it. I think you make a great point.
Posted by: Concerned Educator Location: Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Okay, let me make myself clear for those of you who did not understand...even if an amber alert is not issued, a missing child flash of some sort could be flashed across the screen. I'm just saying an alert of some sort. I know that some people don't take things as seriously as they should, but as a person who basically spends her life around children, I believe that when a child goes missing, that makes it a dangerous situation. Even IF they have not been abducted, we live in an imperfect world, and who is to say that a child could not have been eventually abducted after "wandering" off. Correct? Logical enough for you?
Posted by: Tiphanie Location: Augusta on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Thanks tina for your accusation as well. Have a nice night.
Posted by: Tina Location: Kansas on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:55 PM
People sure can fabricate things.. and it seems to always start with 'Something doesn't add up'.. If you read from the start to the last comment, the story has more and more added to it.. Maybe some of you should change your names to Nancy Drew and/or Dick Tracy. And for all of you upset about their comments.. just let it go. The people making the accusations are probably not credible in real life, so they are trying to be credible here. Sorry, all, it does not work for you all in blogs, either.
Posted by: Tiphanie Location: Augusta on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:46 PM
I heard it on the 5 o'clock KAKE news. I am glad the young man is home now and safe. Any child that goes missing is tramatic. I am just going by what i had heard. I am a parent and have gotten mad at my child. But i aint gonna send her outside by herself. I do hope that everything is going to be ok. I know a few parents who have been letting their children outside around 9 - 10 O clock at night riding their bikes in the street and i hate to know that anything could happen to them. But no one does anything about them. Its good to know that both of them have learned from the mistake.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:10 PM
To Tiphanie I didn't hear that he had no shoes or socks on, where did you hear that? I haven’t heard how long he was outside before the mom had the sister go get him. I mean who are we to judge this mother for getting mad at her son. If you are a parent I am sure you have got mad at your kids but you still love them. This mother I am sure feels very bad about what she did and the fact that everyone is judging her probably makes her feel worse. What would you do if you were in her shoes? The little boy is home safe and sound and that is all everyone should be talking about not how the mother is neglecting him. Start focusing on your own life and figure out what you need to fix and don’t judge others.
Posted by: Tiphanie Location: Augusta on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:33 PM
I believe that on the news it said the mother was angry with the child and sent him outside. with no shoes or socks and didnt come back to check on him for quite some time i believe that is called child neglect.
Posted by: Jenna on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Whatever the reason, someone is at fault, whether its the parent or the kid for running off. I know we all have views & opinions, but to anonymous in s. Wichita, you have made it clear in all of your posts that you have nothing better to do then criticize everyone else who states their opinion. I have read where you tell everyone that they are not perfect & neither are their children, but hypocritically; you are making it out to be that yours IS. So what that you kid is 17 & has a job making good grades, he/she is not the first or the last. I had excellent grades AND a job @ 16. I think you have made you point(s) clear. Its a sick sad world out there & anything can happen to a child in an instant. So SOMEONE needs to be aware, and that someone is the one who brought them into this world. Not saying be overbearing, but BE AWARE. So stop picking on everyone & let each person comment in general on this story.
Posted by: Awsten on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Angry in So. Wichita... Ok, its almost yesterday's news..let it go
Posted by: ! on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:45 PM
When something happens like this, why do we gravitate to blaming the parents??? Has it occured to anyone that this kid could be a sneaky mischief seeker??? I know that when I was a kid I pushed the envelope. Tried to get away with whatever I could when I could!!!! This kid was probably doing the same thing. I know that in alot of cases, the parents have been partially responsible. At 10 years old, it wouldn't surprise me that he was trying to pull a fast one.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: south Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:48 PM
to b i NEVER SAID THIS WAS OK. People are blaming this mother and saying that she is not watching her child or neglecting her child, have any of you stopped to think that maybe he told her he was going to a friends house and then decided to go somewhere else. as far as my parenting skills go i think i have done a pretty fine job, my child is 17 making A's and B's going to graduate early has a job, what about your kids??
Posted by: Anonymous Location: south wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:36 PM
and oh yeah Jayson could you have that glass of wine for me make that 2 then maybe you will understand why I am defending mom soooo much.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: south Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Jayson you are right it is just a comment but if that were you and your child would you want people thinking you don't watch your child or that you neglect watching your child probably not. My daughter and I helped look for this child till 11:30 last night and never once have said "well the mother should have been watching him she is neglecting him because she did not watch him." and I am sorry you people do not understand me "getting all postal on everyone" but put yourself in that mothers shoes and ask yourself would you want people saying you dont watch your children or that you are neglecting your child because you let them go out to play in the aparment complex and well he left WITHOUT telling you?
Posted by: Jayson Location: Derby on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Geez South Wichita... its just a comment site, no need to get all postal on everyone. You should step away from the computer & r-e-l-a-x... maybe have a little wine to calm you down?
Posted by: Carolyn on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Anonymous in so. Wichita...maybe you should pop some downers....and QUICK!!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: south wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:23 PM
She did know where he kid was OUTSIDE!!!! I am the mother of a 17 year old and there was and still is a number of times my kid said "hey mom i am going to susies house" and well sometimes along the way she ran/runs into another group of friends and well got/gets sidetracked. Does that mean that i neglect or don't watch my child? NO it does not these people live in an apartment THEY HAVE NO FENCED IN YARD TO MAKE THE CHILD STAY IN SIGHT 24-7, it just ticks me off when people say the mother was not watching or NEGLECTING to watch him like i said he is 10yrs old you have to start cutting the cord sometime loosen the reins. the reason i called them PERFECT PARENTS WITH PERFECT kids is because they act like EVERY PERSON WITH CHILDREN SHOULD WATCH THEIR KIDS NO MATTER WHAT AGE 24-7 IT CAN'T BE DONE IF IT COULD THIS WORLD WOULD NOT HAVE THE TEENAGE CRIME AND PREGNANCY RATES WE DO HAVE. I am glad they found him safe and that is what everyone should be saying instead of putting mom down!!!!!
Posted by: Tiffani on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Calm down Anonymous @ 11:07 AM. Its not about being perfect parents, its about knowing where your kids are at NO MATTER what age they are. Thats all anyone is really saying.
Posted by: b Location: derby on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:31 PM
that's the problem with today's parents, they do to much talking and not enough disciplining, talking will do no good, they are just words, how did that child get that far without someone seeing him, that's a long way to walk, what's the whole story here, cps needs to be notified and yes that mother is responsible......my 10 year old child would not be outside for that long of a time without me checking on him....he may be 10 but he's still a child and dependent on his parent to protect him....so yes she is responsible and anonymous if you think it's ok to let your child even at 10 years old outside for a lengthy period of time without checking on him then I'm sorry for your kids, you need to be turned in for child neglect...10 years old is 10 years old and a 10 year old child cannot protect himself, that's his parents job, so you make me sick if you think this is ok...you've obviously got a screw loose when it comes to parenting also....!!
Posted by: Me Location: here on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:14 AM
This boy does NOT need to be grounded... he NEEDS ATTENTION from his PARENTS. There are reasons why child act the way they do... TALK TO HIM and dont ABUSE HIM.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: south wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:07 AM
you people who are saying this mother was neglecting her child or not watching him make me TOTALLY SICK like you are GOD and you ARE THE PERFECT PARENTS and your kids are the most well behaved unharmed uninjured PERFECT kids. where were you while he was missing I KNOW WHERE I WAS OUT LOOKING FOR HIM WHERE WERE YOU?????? he is 10 and they live in an apartment complex for crying out loud it's not like he lives in a house where there is a fenced in yard and mom can sit on the porch drinking her coffee or tea watching a 10YEAR old play... i could maybe understand your point IF AND ONLY IF THE CHILD WAS 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 MAYBE 9 BUT 10 plz you have to start cutting the cord sometime and trust your child to go outside and play yet stay within a safe distance.
Posted by: Kristi Location: Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:51 AM
That boy needs grounded for life, he is 10 and ran off on purpose, plus to that walmart is rather faraway.
Posted by: dash Location: wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:11 AM
its 10 o clock..... do you know where your children are? i do. but thats because i dont neglect to watch mine.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:15 AM
HE was probably outside for hours before his sister was told to go find him. THats what happens when parents do not watch their children
Posted by: Ms. Logical, II on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Finally, someone with a brain responded. Thanks Ms. Logical.
Posted by: April Location: Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Praise God he was found safe!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:58 AM
What Ms. Logical at 3:14 said is true. The authorities have to know that the child has been abducted and certain information must be provided in order for them to issue an Amber Alert. Nontheless, that does NOT hinder the television and/or radio stations to run a ticker across the screen stating that there is a missing child and for people to be aware!
Posted by: Michelle Location: Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:44 AM
This story seems fishy! There is something wrong with this story, facts are adding up. How did the 10 year old kid get from 47th Street South & South Hydraulic street to Kellogg and Greenwich Rd? Sounds wierd to me. I am glad to hear that he was found safe and unharmed... that is the important part of this story. :)
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Dumb kid!!! 10 years old is old enough to KNOW that you don't just wonder off!
Posted by: Leah Location: Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Wow. I'm so happy that he's home, and he's safe. If I were his mother, I'd hug him and kiss him until his little face was red, then I'd probably bust his little butt for leaving without permission. ;0) I'm sincerely glad he's home and okay, hopefully he never does this again.
Posted by: Tammy Location: Derby on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:01 AM
Thank goodness he has been found safe! Did WPD say how he got from the 4200 block of Hydraulic all the way out to Kellogg and Greenwich? That's way to far for a 10yr old to walk. I don't think we are getting the whole story.....
Posted by: Ms. Logical Location: Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:14 AM
An Amber Alert can only be issued if the authorities know for sure that a child was abducted and they have some sort of information about the abductor (car description, etc.). If they didn't have these restrictions, an alert would be issued almost every day for runaways and kids who don't turn out to actually be missing. People would become immune to their importance.
Posted by: Concerned Educator Location: Wichita on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:35 PM
EXACTLY BYRON... Just does not sit well with me, that we all hear about this on the 10:00 news, Amber Alert or not...a child is missing, has been missing for hours apparently. One Minute,One Hour, same difference to me. I am just going to continue to pray for his safe return...but something needs to be done sooner then this in any situation.
Posted by: m Location: wichita on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:05 PM
What are they waiting on for the amber alert? Even if he ran away. . .he is missing, and it is late. He should be at home where it is safe.
Posted by: Concerned Educator Location: Wichita on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:58 PM
I am appalled that the WPD has not issued an Amber Alert for this little boy. Any child missing is considered to be in danger. That is ridiculous. Why have an Amber Alert if it is not going to be used for all children? I am not meaning for this to be a race issue, but under different circumstances, I'm sure an alert would have been made. Maybe I'm wrong.
Posted by: L Tisdale Location: wichita on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I hope he is safe and unharmed and return home safely ,may God be with him and his family. Please help and pray for him!!!!!
Posted by: calvin on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:46 PM
WHY HAVEN,T THEY ISSUED A AMBER ALERT YET?
Posted by: Byron Location: Wichita on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:46 PM
I for one am very upset that this was not broadcasted on tv at some point before the 10 oclock news. I know there are strict rules on an Amber Alert, but the station could still scroll a missing child alert on the bottom of the screen or more.
Posted by: Jenn Location: Wichita,Falcon Pointe on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Greg is my sons friend, we all pray for his safe return. If you know anything, please call the police-911
Posted by: j Location: emporia on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:14 PM
i hope he is safe and will be found soon.
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