South Carolina infant rescued after 24 hours buried in dog crate

An 11-month-old boy was rescued on Tuesday after being found buried alive in a dog crate in South Carolina. The infant, identified as Koah Sharp, had been underground for approximately 24 hours before searchers located him. Authorities stated that the child survived due to an air pocket created by a towel wrapped around the crate, as well as the cool ambient temperatures.

The search operation involved dozens of first responders who combed the rural countryside for the child. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office described Koah as a bright boy with reddish blond hair who had disappeared while his grandmother was running errands. After a full day of searching, officials noticed freshly disturbed soil in the woods near the boy’s grandfather’s home.

Sheriff Jay Koon said that investigators began digging at the site and soon unearthed the baby. Koon described the infant as clinging to life at the time of discovery. Shortly after the rescue, the sheriff held a news conference where he expressed relief. He noted that Koah was screaming loudly, which he said was a positive sign. Koon also remarked that God is good, citing the child’s survival as a testament to that belief.

The child’s father, Michael Comer, 25, was arrested and held without bond on a burglary charge. Prosecutors were working with investigators to determine additional charges. Koah was transported to a hospital following the rescue, though his specific medical condition was not immediately disclosed on Wednesday.

Amber Hammond, the boy’s great aunt, told The Associated Press that the family felt better knowing Koah was safe. She was present as the child was freed from the crate. Deputies who initially searched the grandfather’s home found the doors open and baby belongings inside, but neither Comer nor the infant was visible at that time.

Koon explained that the burial was shallow, with the top of the crate likely at least one foot below the surface of the ground. It was not immediately known if Comer had retained an attorney, and a phone number for him could not be found. The Associated Press sent emails to the public defender and prosecutors seeking further information on the case.

Nearly 100 first responders participated in the extensive search effort. Authorities stated that Koah had been in the care of his mother, who left the boy with Comer to run an errand. Another caregiver was en route when the disappearance occurred. Koon said that by the time the backup caregiver arrived, both Michael Comer and Koah had vanished.

Surveillance video from local businesses showed Comer without the infant on Monday afternoon. The father was located and arrested that same night. The sheriff noted that Koah’s parents had a history of domestic violence charges. He observed that children often get caught in the middle of such situations.

According to Lexington County online court records, Comer was sentenced to probation in October. He had pleaded guilty to domestic violence and aggravated breach-of-peace charges related to an arrest in July. A gun charge was dropped as part of the plea deal.