Children found safe after intense land search in Putnam County

An intense search for two missing children ended on Monday after they were found safe and unharmed in a wooded area of Putnam County.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office said Susanne Marie Morrison, 10, and Samuel Josiah Morrison, 8, were last seen in their residence at approximately 5 a.m. Monday. After more than four hours, they were located safe.

The kids were found in the woods about a mile-and-a-half from home. Crews from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office assisted in the ground and aerial search.

The Sheriff’s Office says they were able to track the children’s footprints. The children were evaluated and found to be in good condition with minor scrapes.

Deputies said the children are home-schooled, and this was the first time they had run away.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said it doesn't have a history with the family, and that it appears the 10-year-old wanted to run away -- and brought her younger brother with her.

Cox Media Group