10/03/2026
**PRESS RELEASE**
**Knox City Police Department**
The Knox City Police Department recently responded to a report involving two missing juveniles. From the time the report was received, our officers immediately began working to locate them, following leads, conducting interviews, coordinating with other agencies, and utilizing every resource available to us.
Detective Matthew Borkholder and Officer Joe West spent much of the day and throughout the night actively investigating the juvenilesβ whereabouts. Detective Borkholder worked endlessly making phone calls, interviewing numerous individuals, following up on potential locations, and coordinating information with other law enforcement agencies.
Officer West also worked extensively throughout the investigation, following leads, gathering information, and maintaining communication with me as the investigation continued. I was personally involved as well, contacting individuals, coordinating resources, and assisting our officers wherever possible.
We would also like to recognize the Knox Community School Corporation IT Department, teachers, and staff members who worked closely with our officers and provided valuable information during the investigation.
The Knox Police Department worked alongside and communicated with several surrounding law enforcement agencies, including the Starke County Sheriffβs Office, Porter County law enforcement, Kouts Police Department, Hebron Police Department, Gary Police Department, and agencies in Lake County. We sincerely appreciate their cooperation and assistance.
We are also grateful to the citizens who volunteered their time, shared information, and searched areas where the juveniles may have been located. Community involvement can be extremely valuable during incidents such as this.
However, I would also like to address comments suggesting that Knox Police officers were not actively searching or working to locate these juveniles.
Before passing judgment on the actions of our officers, it is important to understand that much of a missing-person investigation happens behind the scenes. Officers may be conducting interviews, checking residences, reviewing information, making phone calls, working with schools, communicating with other agencies, tracking potential leads, and coordinating investigative resources.
**The fact that we are not constantly posting updates on Facebook does not mean our officers are not working.**
Our responsibility is first and foremost to conduct the investigation, protect the integrity of that investigation, and locate the missing individuals as quickly and safely as possible. Social media updates are secondary to the actual police work being conducted.
Detective Borkholder continued working the investigation today, and I am pleased to report that the two juveniles have been located in Porter County.
I am extremely proud of the dedication shown by Detective Borkholder, Officer West, and everyone who assisted during this investigation. These officers worked long hours because locating these juveniles and ensuring their safety was the priority.
We appreciate the continued support of our community. We simply ask that before assumptions are made about what our officers are or are not doing, please understand that there is often far more occurring behind the scenes than what can be seen on social media.
Thank you to every law enforcement agency, school employee, citizen, and community member who assisted in bringing this incident to a successful conclusion.
**Chief Chad Dulin**
**Knox City Police Department**