Indiana Toddler Found Safe After Amber Alert Scare

It was a tense morning in North Judson, Indiana, as residents awoke to the chilling news that a two-year-old boy, Saxon Clemons, had gone missing under alarming circumstances. The situation unfolded rapidly on Thursday, February 5, 2026, when Saxon was last seen around 3 p.m. in the small town—located about 120 miles northwest of Indianapolis—setting off a chain of events that would grip not just the local community, but also law enforcement agencies across the state.

According to Indiana State Police, the AMBER Alert was issued in the early hours of Friday, February 6, 2026, around 4 a.m., after authorities determined that Saxon was believed to be in "extreme danger." The urgency of the alert was clear: Saxon, a white male, stood just 2 feet 4 inches tall, weighed 30 pounds, and had blond hair and blue eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was last seen in a blue and gray sweatshirt and blue and gray sweatpants, details that were quickly disseminated by media outlets and police bulletins alike.

The story took a harrowing turn when Saxon's mother was dropped off at a local hospital, visibly injured. She reported to medical staff and law enforcement that she had been assaulted by her husband, Dwayne Clemons. According to the Starke County Sheriff's Office, the mother relayed that Dwayne had made threats to harm both himself and the child. Authorities believed he was armed, escalating the perceived danger of the situation. The details were stark and frightening: a young child missing, a parent injured, and a suspect on the run, potentially armed and dangerous.

As reported by WKRC and corroborated by other outlets, the suspect, Dwayne Clemons, is a 44-year-old white male, standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen driving a silver 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer with Indiana license plate CRS242. These details were shared widely, as law enforcement agencies urged the public to be vigilant and to contact the Starke County Sheriff’s Department at 574-772-3771 or 911 with any information.

Authorities wasted no time in mobilizing resources. The Indiana State Police and Starke County Sheriff’s Department coordinated their search efforts, and the AMBER Alert quickly spread through news channels, social media, and emergency notification systems. The urgency was palpable, with investigators emphasizing that Saxon was in "extreme danger." The town of North Judson, usually quiet and close-knit, found itself at the center of a statewide manhunt.

By just before 9 a.m. on February 6, 2026, Indiana State Police announced that the AMBER Alert had been canceled "as requested by the investigating agency." For several tense hours, no further details were provided, leaving the public anxiously hoping for good news. The lack of immediate information only heightened the sense of uncertainty. As reported by WAVE and WTHI, the cancellation of the alert did not immediately clarify whether Saxon had been found safe or if the danger had simply passed.

Finally, at 12:30 p.m., the Starke County Sheriff's Office delivered the update everyone had been waiting for: "Saxon Clemons was found and is safe." Relief swept through the community and beyond. The details of Saxon's recovery were not immediately released, but the confirmation of his safety was enough to bring a sense of closure to a harrowing ordeal. However, the story was far from over—for while Saxon was safe, Dwayne Clemons remained at large.

The ongoing search for Dwayne Clemons has kept the community and law enforcement on high alert. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Starke County Sheriff’s Department or dial 911. The fact that Clemons is believed to be armed and has already demonstrated violent behavior has only intensified the manhunt. The public is reminded not to approach Clemons if spotted, but instead to alert authorities immediately.

Throughout the ordeal, law enforcement officials have remained tight-lipped about certain details, likely to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and to ensure the safety of those involved. As noted by Indiana State Police, "No additional information was provided" at the time of the AMBER Alert's cancellation, underscoring the sensitivity and complexity of such cases.

AMBER Alerts are a critical tool in the rapid recovery of missing children, particularly when law enforcement believes the child is in imminent danger. The system, named after Amber Hagerman, a nine-year-old abducted and murdered in Texas in 1996, is designed to mobilize the public and law enforcement in a coordinated effort. In Saxon Clemons' case, the alert appears to have played a vital role in focusing attention and resources on the search, contributing to his safe recovery.

The events in North Judson highlight the very real dangers of domestic violence and the far-reaching consequences it can have—not just for the immediate victims, but for entire communities. The case also underscores the importance of quick action and public vigilance in such situations. As the facts emerged, it became clear that the swift response of Saxon's mother, the rapid mobilization of law enforcement, and the widespread dissemination of the AMBER Alert all played crucial roles in bringing Saxon home safely.

Still, questions remain. What led up to the violent incident at the Clemons household? How did Dwayne Clemons manage to evade capture, and where might he be now? Authorities have not released details about the circumstances of Saxon's recovery or the ongoing search for Clemons, likely to avoid jeopardizing their efforts. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the continued safety of Saxon and his family, while bringing the suspect to justice.

For the people of North Judson and surrounding communities, the ordeal serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of such emergencies—and the strength that can be found in collective action. Law enforcement has reiterated its call for the public's help, emphasizing that even the smallest tip could make a difference in locating Dwayne Clemons. As the search continues, the hope is that Clemons will soon be found and held accountable, allowing the community to begin the process of healing after a frightening and tumultuous episode.

With Saxon Clemons safe, attention now turns to the ongoing investigation and the search for Dwayne Clemons, as authorities and residents alike remain vigilant, determined not to let this story end without resolution.