MARYSVILLE – A Homeland Security helicopter and search and rescue were called in today to find a missing 3-year-old boy – who was at his daycare.

The helicopter flew down from Bellingham during lunch hour and drew a lot of attention as the incident took place near State Avenue in the 1500 block of 9th Street.

Cmdr. Mark Thomas of the Marysville Police Department said a number of unfortunate circumstances led to delays in finding out where the boy was.

The dad called in the report. Along with the chopper and searchers, some police and detectives were called in on overtime to help.

When police got in contact with the mom, she said the child was in daycare.

But police wanted to lay “eyes on the kid,” Thomas said, “in case that lead didn’t pan out.”

Trouble is, the daycare was on a field trip. “That’s why it took so long to confirm,” Thomas said.

He added it’s disappointing the amount of resources that were used, but the “interagency cooperation was outstanding, and it was a great ending.”