Cleo Found Safe After Dramatic Police Raid in Carnarvon
Joy and Relief as Missing Girl Returns Home
“We are all absolutely overjoyed this morning,” said a spokesperson to The West Australian. “Cleo has been reunited with her mum and dad.” Huge thanks were given to the WA Police, SES, and the Carnarvon community for their tireless efforts. “Cleo’s parents never gave up hope,” WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson told a packed press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Heartfelt Thanks and Praise for Police
Commissioner Dawson saluted the public and police force, adding, “To everyone hoping, wishing, and praying – it’s a day we all hoped for. She’s alive, safe, and back with mum and dad.” WA Police Minister Paul Papalia chimed in: “If you feel the need to thank God today, thank God for the West Australian police force.”
Police Raid Leads to Shocking Discovery
Cleo’s rescue wasn’t down to a lucky sighting but the result of relentless police work. Late Tuesday night, cops acted on a tip-off and raided a Carnarvon home. There, they found four-year-old Cleo locked inside alone.
Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch described the moment: “One of the officers scooped her up and asked, ‘What’s your name?’ She replied, ‘My name is Cleo.’” In an emotional Instagram post, her mother Ellie said, “Our family is whole again.”
Suspect in Custody, Cleo Safe and Well
A 36-year-old Carnarvon man with no known links to Cleo’s family was arrested and is now in police custody. Detectives caught the suspect near the location where Cleo was found. Cleo was taken to hospital for checks but reunited with her parents shortly after the 1am rescue.
Deputy Commissioner Blanch confirmed, “The most important thing is Cleo is safe, well, and back with her mum and dad.”
