Missing child found dead after search

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN) - Rescue crews found the body of a missing child in a Franklin Township lake that was once a gravel pit Monday afternoon in Warren County.

Police, fire and rescue crews searched for the boy, later identified as Jonah Smith,4, for about an hour and a half before they found his body floating in the water about 100 yards from his home.  

Deputies tell 2 NEWS it appears Jonah, who had autism, drowned in the pit.

Jonah was home with his father in the 8800 block of Cam Drive when he managed to get out of the house, deputies said. The family called to report the boy missing just before 1 p.m. Monday.

Deputies are investigating the circumstances around the boys drowning and will release more information as it becomes available.