HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Officers have responded to a video involving a child near heavy traffic.

The Horry County Police Department said that on Thursday, an anonymous caller contacted 911 requesting a welfare check after observing the child walking alone near the road.

When the responding officer arrived, he located the child walking toward oncoming traffic on the Highway 31 overpass near Peachtree Road.

The department said the officer attempted to communicate with the child, who did not respond to initial questions.

“The officer was initially able to place the child inside his patrol vehicle to ensure the child’s safety. However, the child began exhibiting behaviors that posed a risk to both the child and the vehicle, prompting the officer to remove the child from the patrol car,” read the statement.

According to police, the officer maintained physical control throughout the encounter to prevent the child from entering traffic or hurting themselves.

At no point during the encounter did the officer use force intended to harm the child, said police.

The child was later transported to a medical facility for evaluation before being released to the custody of a parent.

HCPD said officers are required to complete annual state training on interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum, helping prepare them to respond safely and appropriately in situations involving children and adults with developmental or communication differences.

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