WATCH | K9 tracks missing teen in Maryland woods amid dangerous snowstorm

HARFORD COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Authorities have released bodycam video showing the moment officers and a Maryland State Police K9 found a missing teenager in the woods during a dangerous winter storm.

The Bel Air Police Department said the 15-year-old was reported missing on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 25, after leaving his home sometime between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. without his family’s knowledge.

At the time, severe winter weather was impacting the area, with heavy snowfall, snow-covered terrain, and sub-freezing temperatures raising urgent safety concerns, according to police.

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Bel Air officers said they immediately started searching the area, following footprints in the snow, spoke with residents in the neighborhood, and called other law enforcement agencies for assistance.

Given the worsening weather conditions and the proximity of nearby waterways, police asked for more resources and launched a multi-agency search.

Maryland State Police Senior Trooper Taylor Bracken and his bloodhound partner, K9 Margo, responded to the area to assist.

Officials said using scent tracking, the K9 team helped guide officers to the teen, who was ultimately found in a wooded area after being exposed to the elements for an extended period.

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Body-worn camera footage released by Bel Air Police shows officers and K9 Margo finding the teen in the woods and safely bringing him to help.

As a precaution, the teen was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation due to cold exposure. Police said he was later reunited with his family.

Authorities credited the successful outcome to quick action, teamwork, and the use of specialized K9 resources during severe weather conditions.