This is the heart-wrenching moment a young boy was found after he got lost in the woods.
New Jersey State cops found the frightened little lad, whose name hasn't been shared, after he wandered away from home in Atlantic City on Wednesday night.
In dramatic footage, troopers were seen racing after the boy, who bore the elements dressed in just a flannel shirt and shorts, who was being looked after by his pet pooch, a black Labrador Retriever.
After leaving home, the lad traipsed through the South Jersey Woods - around half a mile away from his home.
As the officer finally tracks him down, he is heard shouting, "I got him...I got him", in heart-stopping bodycam footage.
As he approaches, he tells the boy: "Hey buddy....I got you...You are okay".
The youngster, who is sobbing throughout, is heard wailing: "I lost my shoe...I lost my shoe".
Trooper Ian Emmi picks him up and hugs him before taking the little one over to his mother standing nearby.
The mother's panic began after he and the pooch lost their way and despite being nearby, his mum couldn't locate him for more than an hour.
Mr Emmi for the New Jersey State Troopers worked with the mother to follow the little boy's cries and was soon able to locate him, a statement by the New Jersey Police confirmed.
Though traumatised, the scared youngster was unharmed physically.
Police haven't provided any further details as to why he wandered into the forest.
In a statement, state police said: "Last night, troopers from Buena Vista Station responded to the report of a missing child in Buena Vista Twp., Atlantic County.
"A 4-year-old boy and his black Labrador had wandered away from his house and were missing for more than an hour.'
"While searching for the child, Trooper Ian Emmi and the child’s mother heard him off in the distance and ran to his location nearly a half mile from his house.'
"We are thankful to report that due to the quick response of the troopers and his mother, the terrified child was safely located and in good health."
Many praised the officers' quick-thinking, as well as the pet pooch - who protected him throughout.
One person wrote: 'Thank God! Thank you NJ State Police and the boys mother, excellent news that he was found with his protective dog."
Another said: "Great job to all. Especially the dog, he would have never left that kid. May even have brought him home."
