Brett Alexander Smith, foster child, missing in S.C. found safe in Aiken

Richland County, SC (WLTX) - Richland County deputies are searching for Brett Alexander Smith, a 12-year-old boy who has been reported missing.

Officers say Smith was last seen at his home Monday afternoon at 1 p.m. Smith lives at a house on Big Leaf Circle in the Magnolia Hall Neighborhood.

According to investigators, the boy left home on his bicycle. That bike was recovered around 8 p.m. Monday at the McDonald's on Hardscrabble Road. Deputies say Brett is in foster care, and they believe he wanted to see members of his family in Aiken.

Investigators say they don't believe that he is in imminent danger and that his case doesn't meet the criteria to issue an Amber Alert.

Smith is a white male, with brown hair, blue eyes, and is 5'5", 140 pounds.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, or e-mail a tip in to Crimestoppers of the Midlands. You can also text information in by texting "TIPSC" plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Either way you choose, your identity will remain anonymous, and you could be eligible for a cash reward.

A 12-year-old Columbia boy missing since Monday was found today in Aiken, a sheriff's spokesman said.

Brett Alexander Smith was safe, Sgt. Dave Myers said, although he said he didn't have many details.

Richland County authorities said earlier today they believed the boy to be with acquaintences in Aiken.

“We did think that was a possibility since his biological parent lives there,” a Richland sheriff's spokeswoman said.

Brett was last seen about 1 p.m. Monday. His bicycle was later recovered at a nearby McDonald's Restaurant.

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