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Missing boy followed cat into Allegan woods

Posted at 4:54 AM, Jun 01, 2015
and last updated 2015-06-01 22:24:15-04
Preston Johnson with Allegan Deputy Ben Haas

Preston Johnson with Allegan Deputy Ben Haas

ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. -- A 23-month-old boy spent the night in the Allegan woods after wandering off Friday night.

Preston Johnson apparently wandered off following a cat at about 9:00pm Friday night while his parents were doing yard work.  He was found by Allegan deputies and a K-9 unit at about 4:00am Saturday in good health.

After an initial search effort came up empty, a massive police presence was called in to help.  That included multiple K-9 teams, local and state police agencies, and a helicopter from Air Care.

Preston spent the night in the woods where temperatures dipped into the 40s and there was periodic falling rain.  Preston was found covered in mud and very interested in petting the K-9 Medo when he was found by Deputy Ben Haas.  He was found about a quarter-mile from his home.

Preston's mom tells us that she tried following Preston into the woods, but he had gotten ahead of her.  She recently had a knee replaced and was not able to follow into the woods.

We'll have more from the scene throughout the evening.

File Photo: K9 Medo

File Photo: K9 Medo