A missing 12-year-old boy from Oklahoma, who disappeared from a hotel in Chickasha on January 2, has been located and is safe.

The discovery was made by volunteers from the nonprofit United Cajun Navy, a grassroots organization known for its search and rescue efforts. The boy was found in Caddo County on Sunday, according to a report by News 9.

Hunter McKee, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, explained that although the boy was initially frightened when found, he was given a medical check-up at a nearby hospital and was deemed to be in good health.

Authorities highlighted the child’s resourcefulness, noting that his outdoor survival and camping skills played a crucial role in his ability to find food and water during his time missing. When found by search volunteers, the boy expressed remorse, worried that his disappearance had caused trouble for others.

The search team quickly assured him of his safety, putting his mind at ease after the ordeal.

“He was apologetic, terrified, super scared like he was gonna be in trouble. We reassured him this wasn’t his fault, he’s safe, and gave him a big hug,” a United Cajun Navy group volunteer said, KOCO News reports.

“We had to get a tissue, I had to wipe his tears.”

McKee said it’s currently unclear how the 12-year-old got to Caddo County, near Cement, after leaving the Quality Inn, in Chickasha, on foot.

Meanwhile, the victim’s mother, Kimberly Cole, and stepfather, George Cole, are behind bars facing multiple charges related to physical and sexual abuse, as CrimeOnline previously reported.

One of the charges against Kimberly Cole includes “crime against nature,” although details surrounding the charge are not yet available.

“When Chickasha police department requested us to look into this case, not only was it important for us to locate this child safely, but we also needed to look into the entire aspect of this case and find out why is the child missing in the beginning for multiple days,” Mckee stated Tuesday.

“This is an extremely sad and horrific case for everyone involved. We’re talking about a 12-year-old boy who didn’t get to live the life of a normal 12-year-old child.”

McKee said during a news conference Sunday that boy would not be returning home.

“We’re going to find the best home for him, moving forward, for this child, however that’s going to look…we are going to do what we can to ensure that’s he put in the right home.”

George and Kimberly Cole remain behinds bars in Caddo County.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photos: Kimberly and George Cole/Caddo County Police]