HOLLYWOOD, Md. — A St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputy entered a body of water and swam to rescue a missing 9-year-old child with autism Friday after an extensive search in the Hollywood area.
Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded July 17, 2026, after the child was reported missing.
A coordinated search began with assistance from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 7, the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services and multiple local fire and EMS agencies.
Search crews located the child in a nearby body of water.
Deputy Matthew Camp immediately entered the water, swam to the child and brought him safely back to shore.
Medical personnel evaluated the child at the scene before he was reunited with his family. The Sheriff’s Office reported that the child was doing well following the rescue.
Body-worn camera footage released by the Sheriff’s Office captured a portion of the rescue and the coordinated response by law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
The Sheriff’s Office credited the teamwork, professionalism and courage of the first responders involved for the positive outcome.
View the body-camera footage of the water rescue here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1347019304207010
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