Sheriff: Baby survives 24 hours in buried dog crate after father takes child

An 11-month-old boy found alive Tuesday afternoon in Lexington County, S.C., survived approximately 24 hours after his father allegedly buried him in a dog crate. Koah Sharpe was located near the home of his grandfather, Michael Comer’s father. The child was wrapped in a towel and encased in the crate, which was covered in dirt.

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said the crate likely created an air pocket that allowed Sharpe to breathe. Koon described the discovery as a result of luck, noting that the specific setup probably provided enough air for the infant to survive the estimated time underground.

Comer, 25, was last seen with Sharpe on Monday when he arrived at the home where Comer’s mother was caring for the child. Comer took the baby and left before another scheduled caregiver arrived. Family members filed a missing persons report that afternoon. Investigators checked the nearby residence of Comer’s father and found open doors and the child’s belongings, but no one.

Police believed Comer moved between several locations in Lexington County on Monday. They did not issue an Amber Alert because Comer did not have a vehicle. Koon explained that an Amber Alert requires a known description of a car and license plate to be effective. Authorities said Comer likely asked for rides from other people.

Surveillance video showed Comer in the Batesburg-Leesville area without the baby. Police arrested Comer Monday night for burglary after finding him inside a shed in Batesburg. Sharpe was not with him at the time of the arrest.

The search for the infant continued into Tuesday with local, state, and federal agencies participating. Officers looked near Comer’s father’s house and noticed pine straw and freshly disturbed dirt. They began digging and heard Sharpe crying. Koon said everyone rushed to the site to free the child.

Sharpe is receiving treatment at a hospital. Comer remains in custody as of Tuesday afternoon. Court records show Comer was placed on probation just over a month ago after pleading guilty to aggravated breach of peace. Records also list previous arrests earlier this year for domestic violence and a weapons-related charge.