DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. — UPDATE: The Davidson County Sheriff's Office is releasing new details after two young siblings were found safe hours after a family member reported them missing.
On February 11, 2020, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Davidson County Communications received a call about two kids, Malachi Chilton, 10, and Mackenzie Chilton, 8, who had run away from home.
When deputies got to the house on Critcher Drive, they learned the Department of Social Services had been in contact with the family regarding an abuse and neglect complaint.
The Sheriff's Office said it was shortly after this visit when a family member reported the pair missing.
A ground search was conducted by responding deputies, but with daylight fading, the search turned up empty. A K-9 search team was then deployed, along with drones equipped with thermal imaging capabilities.
After an extensive search, the children were found unharmed, hiding in the area. Social Services and Sheriff’s Investigators remained on scene to conduct a thorough investigation.
There are no criminal charges pending at this time; however, the case remains under investigation.
If anyone has any information on this matter, they are asked to contact the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office at 336-242-2105 and ask to speak with Detective Blake.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED: The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two missing children.
Investigators said Malachi Chilton, 10, and Mackenzie Chilton, 8, were last seen around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Critcher Drive and Old U.S. Highway 52 area. That's in the Welcome community.
Capt. Cory Mann said the two are brother and sister. Capt. Mann also said there's, “No abduction that we know of. They were with family and ran off together."
The Sheriff's Office said more than 50 officers and volunteers are searching for the children. They have also called in bloodhounds to assist in the search.
Rescue teams are searching in the area of North Davidson Middle School. They also have a drone that's flying in the area to help with the search.
Malachi was last seen wearing a dark color sweatshirt, jeans, Jordan tennis shoes carrying a book bag.
Mackenzie was last seen wearing a gray jacket, black leggings, tennis shoes, pink book bag.
If you have any information call 911.
PHOTOS | Search for two missing kids
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