Steven Bryan disappeared when he was 3 years old and was found safe with his mother, authorities said.

A boy who was reported missing almost two years ago was found safe in an Indiana home Tuesday.

The Mooresville Police Department first said Steven Bryan, a then-3-year-old boy, was missing on July 18, 2022, after the boy’s father reported his disappearance. Steven was believed to be with his mother, Deborah Bryan, and her boyfriend, Caleb Blevins.

Around 1 p.m. Tuesday, Indiana State Police located the boy alongside his mother and Blevins at a home in Bloomington.

The child was taken into protective custody and will be released to the Department of Child Services pending further investigation.

Police said Deborah Bryan was arrested for her interference with a custody warrant out of Morgan County and that more charges will be filed in the future for individuals who assisted her.

The Mooresville Police Department thanked Indiana State Police, the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center and the United States Marshals for their assistance during the lengthy investigation.

Authorities in Indiana have located a 5-year-old boy who had been missing for nearly two years, bringing a long and painful chapter to a close for his family and law enforcement. The child, whose identity is being withheld for privacy and legal reasons, was found alive and in stable condition inside a private residence during a joint operation involving local police and federal agents.

The discovery occurred during a routine follow-up on a cold case file that had puzzled investigators since 2022. Acting on a tip received earlier this year, law enforcement officials obtained a search warrant for a home located in a quiet suburban neighborhood just outside Fort Wayne, Indiana. The residence appeared outwardly unremarkable—well-kept lawn, drawn curtains, no unusual activity—but what officers discovered inside was both shocking and relieving.

The child was found in a back room that had been partially soundproofed and minimally furnished. According to preliminary reports, he was alert and communicative, though visibly malnourished and showing signs of emotional trauma. Emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the scene and transported the boy to a nearby hospital for evaluation and care.

The home was occupied by a couple who have since been taken into custody. Police have not released their names, pending formal charges, but sources confirm that at least one of the individuals has a prior history of child welfare investigations. Authorities are investigating how the child came to be in their care, whether he was forcibly taken, and if others were complicit in concealing his whereabouts.

The boy was first reported missing in late 2022 after failing to return from a scheduled custodial visit with a non-custodial relative. Despite initial searches and media appeals, the case quickly went cold, with little evidence and no substantial leads. His disappearance sparked widespread concern, and his face became one of many featured in missing children alerts circulated nationwide.

For nearly two years, his family lived in a painful limbo—holding onto hope while fearing the worst. They participated in public awareness campaigns, fundraisers, and vigils, never giving up on the possibility that he might still be alive. Their persistence, combined with the dedicated work of detectives and child advocacy organizations, played a crucial role in keeping the case active.

The break came when a tipster—whose identity is also being protected—contacted police with suspicions about the individuals residing at the Indiana home. The tip included inconsistencies in their stories, avoidance of neighbors, and a child’s voice occasionally heard but never seen. These details, though minor, triggered a re-examination of the original case file and a fresh round of investigative work.

According to police, the operation that led to the boy’s recovery was carefully planned to ensure his safety. Officers waited for a time when both adults were at home, ensuring no chance of him being moved or harmed. The tactical entry was swift and controlled, with officers prioritizing the welfare of any minors present. Once inside, they found the child within minutes.

Initial interviews with the boy have begun, though specialists are proceeding cautiously due to the psychological toll of his ordeal. Child psychologists and trauma counselors are working closely with medical staff to assess his mental and emotional state. Early indications suggest he has been coached not to speak about his circumstances, a common trait in prolonged abduction or concealment cases.

Legal proceedings are expected to follow swiftly. Prosecutors are preparing charges that may include kidnapping, unlawful confinement, child endangerment, and obstruction of justice. Federal charges may also apply if the investigation determines that the case crossed state lines or involved deception of federal agencies.

The community has responded with a mix of relief and anger. While many are overjoyed at the child’s safe recovery, there is frustration that it took so long to find him—particularly given that he was living in a residential neighborhood where someone might have noticed suspicious behavior. Local officials are urging citizens to be more vigilant and proactive in reporting concerns.

Law enforcement officials praised the cooperation between agencies that led to this resolution. “This is a textbook example of persistence, collaboration, and the importance of never giving up on a missing child,” said a spokesperson for the Indiana State Police. “Every case, no matter how old, remains a priority. This boy’s life was saved because someone chose to speak up.”

The case has also reignited conversations around child protection policies and the need for robust systems to track and follow up on custody-related disappearances. Advocacy groups are calling for reforms, including better data-sharing between states, increased funding for missing children units, and mandatory home visits in certain high-risk custodial arrangements.

For the boy’s family, the road to recovery is just beginning. While they are overjoyed to have him back, they acknowledge the long healing process ahead. Reintegrating into normal life after years of confinement and trauma is complex, especially for a child. They have asked for privacy and are working closely with counselors and authorities to ensure he receives the support he needs.

In a brief statement released through a family representative, the boy’s mother expressed overwhelming gratitude. “We never stopped praying for this day. Our hearts are full. He is safe. He is home. And now, we begin to heal.” She thanked the officers, investigators, and especially the anonymous tipster whose courage made the rescue possible.

Authorities are now reviewing all known information about the case to determine if there were earlier missed opportunities. Internal reviews are underway to ensure no procedural failures occurred during the initial stages of the investigation. Officials also intend to use this case as a training example for future law enforcement work on long-term missing persons cases.

Though questions remain, one thing is certain: a boy once feared lost forever has been found. His recovery offers renewed hope for families of other missing children and a stark reminder that vigilance, persistence, and the courage to speak up can truly make a difference.