Florence County Sheriff’s Office Locates One of Two Missing Boys; Search for 11-Year-Old Brother Continues
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) has made a significant breakthrough in the case of two missing boys from Scranton, South Carolina. Authorities announced that 8-year-old Collin Ray Locklair has been safely located, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the challenging circumstances. However, the search for his older brother, 11-year-old Thomas Colten Locklair, remains ongoing.
The two brothers were last seen around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024, at their home on Hemlock Road in Scranton. The sudden and unexpected disappearance of both boys prompted an urgent and widespread search effort involving local law enforcement, emergency responders, and concerned members of the community. The collaborative effort underscores the seriousness of the situation, as the safety of Thomas Colten Locklair now remains the primary focus.
Collin’s discovery has brought a measure of relief to the family and the community, but the situation remains dire. Thomas, who has not yet been located, is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. Unfortunately, authorities have not provided a description of what Thomas was wearing at the time of his disappearance, adding to the challenges of the search.
In contrast, Collin, who was found safe, had been described as 4 feet tall, weighing 80 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans, and brown boots. These physical descriptions, along with the extensive search effort, are aimed at ensuring that anyone with information can quickly recognize and report any possible sightings.
The FCSO wasted no time in mobilizing its resources to locate the two boys. An alert was issued, calling for public assistance, and the community has responded with overwhelming support. In particular, the Sheriff’s Office has set up multiple channels for people to share information regarding Thomas’ whereabouts. Anyone with potential tips is encouraged to contact the FCSO by phone at (843) 665-2121, extension 80172. In addition to the direct phone line, tips can be submitted through the Sheriff’s Office’s mobile app, available on both Apple and Android platforms. For those seeking anonymity, Crime Stoppers of the Pee Dee also offers a confidential hotline at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
As the hours pass, the urgency of locating Thomas intensifies. The Sheriff's Office has continued to request the public's help in reporting anything out of the ordinary, no matter how minor it may seem. Often, even the smallest detail can be crucial in missing person cases. Law enforcement officials have stressed that time is of the essence, and the community’s vigilance could make a substantial difference.
The case of the Locklair brothers has drawn attention beyond Scranton, as child abduction cases resonate deeply with communities nationwide. Experts in missing persons investigations suggest that community involvement is one of the most critical elements in finding missing children quickly. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), rapid dissemination of information and cooperation from local communities often play pivotal roles in safely recovering missing children.
Florence County Sheriff’s Office has expressed gratitude for the continued outpouring of support and information provided by the public. Sheriff T.J. Joye, in a recent statement, conveyed the department's optimism while maintaining a clear focus on bringing Thomas home safely. "Our priority is finding Thomas and ensuring he is reunited with his family. Every tip, every phone call, every piece of information could be the one that brings him back safely," said Joye.
The Sheriff’s Office has also extended its support to the Locklair family during what has undoubtedly been an incredibly difficult time. Law enforcement officials remain dedicated to investigating all available leads and will continue to provide updates to the public as more information becomes available.
For now, the community of Scranton waits anxiously, hoping that the swift resolution of Collin’s case will soon be mirrored by the safe return of Thomas. In the meantime, authorities, family members, and concerned citizens remain united in their efforts to ensure Thomas is found and brought home as quickly as possible.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they come in. Authorities urge anyone who believes they may have seen Thomas or knows anything about his whereabouts to come forward immediately.
