What to Know About Case of Steven Bryan, Indiana Boy Found Hidden 2 Years After Disappearance

A little more than two years ago, Steven Bryan disappeared after he was last seen with his mother’s boyfriend. 

Now, in an unexpected turn of events, he has been found safe and reunited with his father and other family members he hasn't seen in years.

Steven was rescued on Tuesday, July 9, from a Bloomington, Ind., home where he was found alongside his mother Deborah Bryan and her boyfriend Caleb Blevins, according to a Mooresville Police Department statement, as reported by WRTV, 21 Alive News and FOX 59. 

Here's what to know about the case:

Summer 2022: A 3-year-old disappears

Steven Bryan vanished on June 9, 2022 at the age of three, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (Some news outlets report Steven's date of disappearance differently, but NCMEC lists Steven as missing since June 2022). 

He was last seen with his mother’s boyfriend Caleb Blevins, Indiana State Police said at the time, according to FOX 59.

NCMEC said Steven was likely with his mother Deborah Bryan. 

The child's father, Tyler Bryan, alleged that Deborah left with Steven from her Mooresville, Ind., home and severed all contact between the child and his father, PEOPLE previously reported.

What was going on when Steven vanished?

At the time of Steven's disappearance, Tyler and Deborah were in the middle of a divorce, he told PEOPLE in January.

Deborah's uncle, Tom Cash, says Deborah was trying to "save" her son when she allegedly took off.

“She’s truly afraid for her child’s safety and wellbeing and his life,” Tom Cash told FOX 59 after the child's rescue. “That’s what motivated her to try to save her son.”

It wasn't immediately clear what kinds of safety concerns the family had with regards to Steven. Mooresville police did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Friday.

An 'active and playful' child with a speech impediment

With Bryan’s whereabouts unknown for almost two years, his father told PEOPLE in January that he did not know if his child, who has a speech impediment, had “gotten better.”

“He was very active and playful — a lot of fun to be with,” Tyler, 30, said at the time. 

July 2024: Authorities find Steven safe after 2 years

On Tuesday, July 9, Indiana authorities found Steven in a home with Deborah and Blevins, Mooresville Police Department said, according to WRTV, 21 Alive News and FOX 59. 

Mooresville Police Chief Kerry Buckner alleged Deborah "was just hiding [Steven] out" while embroiled in a custody battle with the child's father, WIBC reported.

Steven's mother is charged

After Steven was found, Indiana authorities arrested Deborah on a charge of interfering with custody, according to Mooresville PD, WRTV, 21 Alive News and FOX 59 reported. 

Blevins, who was with Steven and Deborah at the time of their rescue, may face charges if an investigation reveals he allegedly assisted Deborah in the interference of custody, per FOX 59 and WANE 15. 

It wasn’t immediately clear if Deborah has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf. Blevins was not reachable when PEOPLE tried to contact him on Friday.

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What's ahead for Steven? Legos and adventures, says dad

Since Steven was found, he has been returned to his father, Tyler told PEOPLE on Friday. 

Steven has been playing with Legos and spending time with his cousins, his father says, adding that they were planning to get sausage and hash browns for breakfast and to go swimming.

"Just feels amazing," Tyler told PEOPLE. "I can't wait for all of our adventures."