Search for missing 12-year-old boy who might be in danger ends, SC sheriff says
UPDATE: At about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department said that Joel Inbody was located safely. Information about where and when the 12-year-old was located was not available.
Original Story
A search is underway for a missing South Carolina child who could be in danger after driving away from his home in his father’s car.
Joel Inbody was publicly reported missing by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Wednesday afternoon. The 12-year-old went missing Wednesday, the sheriff’s department said in a news release.
Joel was last seen at about 1:40 p.m. in the area of Fonthill Drive, according to the release. That’s in a part of Columbia between Lake Carolina and Summit Ridge Drive.
He left the home driving his father’s 2018 Toyota Camry, the sheriff’s department said.
There was no word if Joel was considered a runaway. The sheriff’s department did not say if Joel was alone when he was last seen, but said the 12-year-old might be in a dark-colored Toyota Camry, with a license plate that reads “UMZ329.”
The sheriff’s department did not say if foul play is suspected in Joel’s disappearance.
The sheriff’s department said it’s concerned for Joel’s safety. Because of his young age and the current cold weather conditions, there is reason to believe he might be in danger.
Joel was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and black pants with a blast cast on his right arm, according to the sheriff’s department.
Anyone who has seen Joel, or has information about him, is asked to call police at 803-576-3000, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.
In the case of an emergency, always call 911.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 8:39 AM.
