Missing girl found in Manitou Springs after hours long search

The search for a missing 12-year-old girl in Manitou Springs ended after four hours with rescuers finding her in a culvert.

Emily Hermenitt was hiding from her parents and search and rescue experts. A spokesman for the rescue effort described Hermenitt’s disappearance as “a game.” Close to two dozen search and rescue experts, fire fighters and police were part of the search.

Hermenitt wandered off a trail in Manitou Springs around 4:45 p.m. She was found around 9 p.m. and had to be coaxed out of her hiding spot in Soda Springs Park.

“She reunited with her mother so everything is good,” said Steve Sperry with El Paso County Search and Rescue. “We’ve accomplished what we set out to do.”

After a quick check with paramedics, Hermenitt was allowed to go home with her mother.

Police said neither the girl nor her family will face any criminal charges.