JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. — A group of police officers reunited with the boy they found locked in an attic six years ago.
At 6-years-old, Giovanni Eastwood weighed just 17 pounds. According to the Kansas City Star, deputies went to the boy's DeSoto, Kansas, home to investigate after a relative tipped authorities off to the boy's deplorable living conditions.
Giovanni, nicknamed "Govi," has Down syndrome. Officials found him locked in an attic that smelled of urine. He couldn’t walk, could barely talk and wasn’t potty trained.
Now, Govi is a happy and active sixth-grade student. He was adopted by a loving family and has completely transformed. He is a healthy 101 pounds and participates on his school’s wrestling team.
"To what happened that night to today, it's just night and day," Sgt. Brent Moore told the Kansas City Star.
Moore said since rescuing him that night six years ago, he and his colleagues have always wondered about him.
On Saturday, they finally reunited. Govi was made an honorary deputy and helped the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department with their anti-bullying program.
The deputies said Govi’s spirit is an inspiration to them all.
As our Lt. Tyson Kilbey said: This is what heroes look like!
Posted by Johnson County, KS Sheriff's Office on Sunday, November 6, 2016
Cox Media Group