At a Glance
- Muhammad Sakho, a 10-year-old, went missing on Jan. 20, 2026 from Philadelphia.
- Police traced his movements via school surveillance and found him safe in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania.
- The case highlighted concerns about child safety amid extreme weather.
- Why it matters: The swift recovery underscores the importance of coordinated law-law enforcement and community vigilance.
A 10-year-old boy who vanished from Philadelphia was located unharmed in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania, according to a police announcement later on Jan. 20, 2026. The incident began when Muhammad Sakho was last seen near Penrose Elementary School at 2515 S. 78th Street. Police quickly launched a search, and the boy was found safe within hours.
Investigation Begins
The Pennsylvania State Police released an initial news statement that the search for Muhammad Sakho had begun immediately after he was reported missing. The boy’s father had dropped him off at school that morning, and the family had reported him missing when he did not return.
- Key facts:
- Muhammad was last seen near Penrose Elementary School.
- Surveillance footage captured him entering the cafeteria at 8:08 a.m. and leaving at 8:20 a.m..
- The search was intensified due to the child’s age and the extreme weather conditions in the area.
Captain Joseph Busa, Commanding Officer of Southwest Detectives, addressed the media on Wednesday. He confirmed that the family’s report came after the father’s drop-off, and that the school’s surveillance footage was the primary lead.
> “Due to Muhammad being 10 years old and the extreme weather conditions, we are extremely concerned,” said Busa.
Family’s Call for Assistance
During the press conference, the boy’s mother, stepfather, and aunt spoke out. Stehpahnie Chapman, Muhammad’s mother, expressed her distress:
> “My firstborn son is missing. He was dropped off at school. There is no reason this should have happened,” said Chapman. “I’m at a loss for words.”
The family urged the public to assist in the search, emphasizing the urgency of locating the child quickly.
Search Operations
The police coordinated with local agencies and community volunteers to canvass the surrounding area. The search covered:
- School grounds and nearby streets.
- Residential neighborhoods within a five-mile radius.
- Public transportation routes that the boy might have used.
Despite the extensive search, no immediate leads emerged until the next day.
Resolution
Shortly after the press conference, Philadelphia police announced that Muhammad Sakho had been found safe in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania. The announcement came without details on how the boy was located or why he had left the school premises.
The police statement confirmed that the boy was unharmed and that no injuries were reported. No additional information was released regarding the circumstances that led to his disappearance or how he was ultimately located.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 20, 2026 | 8:08 a.m. | Muhammad enters school cafeteria (surveillance) |
| Jan. 20, 2026 | 8:20 a.m. | Muhammad exits cafeteria (surveillance) |
| Jan. 20, 2026 | Morning | Father drops off Muhammad at school |
| Jan. 20, 2026 | Afternoon | Muhammad reported missing by family |
| Jan. 20, 2026 | Evening | Police launch search and hold press conference |
| Jan. 21, 2026 | Morning | Muhammad found safe in Upper Chichester |
Key Takeaways
- A coordinated response by state police and local agencies led to the rapid recovery of a missing child.
- Surveillance footage was crucial in establishing the boy’s last known movements.
- The family’s prompt reporting and public appeal were vital in mobilizing community support.
- The incident highlights the need for vigilance regarding child safety, especially during extreme weather conditions.
The case concludes with the boy safe and the investigation moving toward a full understanding of the circumstances that led to his disappearance. The community remains relieved that a child was found unharmed.
About the Incident
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; found in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania.
- Victim: 10-year-old boy, Muhammad Sakho.
- Date of disappearance: Jan. 20, 2026.
- Resolution: Found safe; no injuries reported.
The swift action taken by law enforcement and the cooperation of the family and community played a pivotal role in ensuring Muhammad Sakho was located safely.
