Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina – Unthinkable crime in South Carolina: A baby just 11 months old was apparently rescued alive from a buried dog crate after about 24 hours. The child's father had previously fled with the infant.
Sheriff Jay Koon of Lexington County said at a press conference that the baby, Koah Sharpe, was "clinging to life" when he was rescued on Tuesday afternoon, per ABC News.
The baby was lying in a kind of dog crate, wrapped in a towel. Koon suspects the crate somehow provided an "air pocket" that allowed the baby to survive for 24 hours.
The alert, barely 20-pound boy with reddish‑blond hair and blue eyes was, according to investigators, taken on Monday morning by his father, Michael Comer, even though his mother was supposed to be looking after him at the time.
Police apprehended the 25‑year‑old that evening during a burglary in Batesburg and arrested him – but the baby initially remained missing.
The child's disappearance sparked a massive search involving nearly 100 police officers, firefighters and other officials.
Baby Koah survived after being buried alive for 24 hours
About 50 yards from the father’s property, in a wooded area, officials discovered freshly disturbed earth.
"As they probed it and laid it out and started digging, you could hear little Koah crying," said Koon.
The baby was taken to a hospital for further examination.
"Hopefully, at 11 months old, he will not remember much of this as he grows older, just to have a great inspiring story to tell," Koon added.
Michael Comer was initially arrested for burglary and resisting officers.
Authorities are now investigating, together with the local prosecutor's office, additional charges against the father.