Update: Seattle Police find missing 10-year-old, safe

2:53 PM UPDATE: The 10-year-old boy reported missing after not arriving at his school this morning has been found safe, and police say thanks to everyone who helped be on the lookout for him.

EARLIER COVERAGE AFTER JUMP:

12:31 PM: Just in from Seattle Police via Twitter:

We’re following up to see if there’s any more information to share.

12:53 PM: We’re hearing a TV helicopter is being dispatched just to see if any police activity is visible from the air. So if you hear a chopper here shortly, that’s what it’s about.

1:03 PM: We went to Holy Rosary to see what more we could find out; the principal told our crew Merca actually never came to school today. We’re trying to sort out with police where this actually stands.

1:21 PM: SPD spokesperson Det. Drew Fowler tells WSB they reconfirmed that Merca *is* missing – but not FROM school, as he did not come to school today.

2:05 PM: Police are continuing to look around the area and are following up on tips; please do call if you think you see him. We are told he apparently lives in the Pigeon Point area.

2:38 PM: The name police have circulated is actually the child’s surname, according to HRS parents. Whatever the details, he’s still out there somewhere at last report, so wherever you go this afternoon, keep an eye out.

2:52 PM: Good news! Just heard on the scanner, he has been found – in or near the Admiral District – safe and sound.

58 Replies to "Update: Seattle Police find missing 10-year-old, safe"

  • tim October 21, 2014 (12:38 pm)

    So sad. I hope KCSO and WSP bring their air units with all the advanced tech. Best wishes to finding him.

  • Rene October 21, 2014 (1:09 pm)

    Prayers. I hope they find him safe and sound.

    • WSB October 21, 2014 (1:11 pm)

      We’re still trying to sort out whether he actually is lost … the school told us he hadn’t come to school today after all… so now the question is whether he is missing from somewhere else; I’m not amending the story until we get some sort of final word on that.

  • Lives on 42nd & Oregon October 21, 2014 (1:11 pm)

    News helicopter overhead now…

  • Trina October 21, 2014 (1:14 pm)

    Sending thoughts and prayers and a little extra strength I hope they find him and all is good and safe

    • WSB October 21, 2014 (1:20 pm)

      SPD says they did confirm he IS missing, but not from the school … he just didn’t come to school today. We’re hoping to find out if there is any location that is best for people to be on the lookout. Meantime, still, if you see him, call 911.

  • Guy Olson October 21, 2014 (1:25 pm)

    Why no Amber Alert? Because he’s not white?

    • WSB October 21, 2014 (1:29 pm)

      Guy, Amber Alerts are only sent out when there is a direct knowledge that a child is in imminent danger – seen being kidnapped, taken by someone despite a protective order, etc. Here’s some explanation:
      .
      http://www.amberalert.gov/guidelines.htm
      .
      In this case, there has been no mention of suspected foul play …

  • Kristin October 21, 2014 (1:25 pm)

    I’m sure not related, but there’s a car (gold convertible) that appears to possibly be abandoned in the PCC parking lot. It’s parked in the middle of the parking lanes so you have to go around it in order to park your car. Was just shopping there and they announced it over the PA system w/n the grocery store but by the time I left no one had moved the car.

  • J-arbor October 21, 2014 (1:27 pm)

    Hope he’s home safe soon.

  • Wendy October 21, 2014 (1:31 pm)

    What jacket/shoes/hat was he wearing? Might help as weather is cooler?

  • Cindy38 October 21, 2014 (1:35 pm)

    Not clear on this. Have his parents confirmed he left for school and never arrived? Hope it’s just a misunderstanding.

    • WSB October 21, 2014 (1:40 pm)

      If we get ANY further information, we will add. The first we heard of this was the SPD tweet that I posted above. Hadn’t heard anything on the scanner all morning about anything like this – but then again, a fair amount of police calls DON’T ever hit the radio. It seems they are all still trying to sort things out. I have asked police to please let us know anything more they find out.
      .
      Added to Sunita since our comments crossed: Have no way of contacting his parents – don’t even know his last name. We went to Holy Rosary because police’s tweet, as seen above, said he was missing from school. Sorry it’s so confusing. But they and we have to err on the side of “please be on the lookout.”

  • NotGuy October 21, 2014 (1:38 pm)

    Nice Guy, thats the stupidest thing said today, maybe do something helpful next time.

  • sunita whitaker October 21, 2014 (1:39 pm)

    So what are his parents saying?

  • KatherineL October 21, 2014 (1:47 pm)

    Darn, I was working outside and grumbling to myself about the noisy helicopter. I take it all back! Please find him!

  • HR Parent October 21, 2014 (1:54 pm)

    According to a message from the school, he did not show up for class. Then his backpack was found outside the building, with a note saying that he had run away. Let’s hope he is found quickly.

    Also, can Guy’s comment above be deleted?

  • B October 21, 2014 (1:57 pm)

    Am heading to the post office now and will take a look through the area near it and the school. Praying for a safe return.

  • Rufus October 21, 2014 (2:15 pm)

    I was in the area and stopped by Hotwire Coffee shop near Holy Rosary. Was so shocked when the 2 people working there told a customer that the boy is not really missing and that this is just another stupid story for the news to report. I walked out before I even bought anything. They probably dont have children. I hope and pray that this boy will be found safely and returned to his worried parents.

  • Anne October 21, 2014 (2:16 pm)

    Will keep my eyes open as I’m out & around WS. Prayers that he is safe.
    Guy-instead of making asinine comments-maybe go out looking-or say a prayer for this boy & his family. Honestly-was that really the first comment you could think to make?
    WS Blog-agree with HR parent-can’t you delete?

  • WS Parent October 21, 2014 (2:24 pm)

    I agree with guy’s 1st question.
    Why no Amber alert?

    • WSB October 21, 2014 (2:32 pm)

      As explained previously, Amber Alerts are for confirmed abductions. There is no indication of an abduction here. You can certainly argue with the people who make the policies and laws as to whether there should be wider alerts.
      .
      Rufus – sorry to hear that. It reminds me of my TV days, when some stations had policies that they wouldn’t even run stories on missing kids if they were thought to be runaways. Just because a child/teen might have “run away” does not mean they are not in danger and vulnerable. Particularly one this young. Whatever the circumstance doesn’t matter … he is reported missing and needs to be found.
      .
      – TR

  • charell October 21, 2014 (2:26 pm)

    Praying for him and his family. I hope he is found soon! I also hope Guy’s post is deleted. What an ignorant, offensive thing to say.

  • Another HR Parent October 21, 2014 (2:28 pm)

    This boy is in the same class as my child. I won’t give his first name since it hasn’t been reported elsewhere that I’ve seen but the name reported in the police tweet, Merca, is his last name. I’m praying he will realize that running away was not in his best interest and that he finds his way home or back to school very soon.

  • BJB October 21, 2014 (2:31 pm)

    WS Parent – please read the WSB comment to your question addressed further above. Amber alerts are only sent when ……….

    •There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.
    •The law enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.

  • alki resident October 21, 2014 (2:50 pm)

    If I was going to run away at ten, Id package stuff in my back pack, not bring it to school and leave it there. I hope someone can confirm his handwriting on the note. Im not believing he wrote it.
    If he did run away,maybe checking downtown and bus stops.
    Also,isnt this the same school that had recent flashing going on? Maybe a neighbor around there saw something.

    • WSB October 21, 2014 (2:52 pm)

      GOOD NEWS – from the scanner, they just found him, in or near the Admiral District. Yay!

  • Not Guy October 21, 2014 (2:57 pm)

    I doubt anyone taking offense to Guy’s comment are non-white. It is offensive that media attention, statistically, is far more focused on white children at risk. But, in this case, Amber Alerts are generally representative of the overall population: http://blackandmissing.org/statistics/

    Run home, Merca. Your parents and friends love you far more than you can imagine, I’m sure.

  • Rene October 21, 2014 (2:59 pm)

    He’s found safe. So happy for him and his family.

  • Another HR Parent October 21, 2014 (3:03 pm)

    Awesome! I hope things get straighten out at home. I feel for the boy if he felt he needed to come to school and then run away. It’s going to be cold and rainy tonight so I’m happy he was located during the day.

  • dguppies October 21, 2014 (3:17 pm)

    We love you Georgio! We will continue praying that you will feel that!

  • tim October 21, 2014 (3:30 pm)

    So happy to hear he was found.

  • Another mom October 21, 2014 (3:50 pm)

    Wonderful little boy from a caring, supportive family. So thankful to hear he is safe.

  • charell October 21, 2014 (3:53 pm)

    What a relief that he was found!

  • barb October 21, 2014 (4:12 pm)

    FYI…I saw a child near WSHS earlier today who looked out of place, then I heard the helicopters over my house. I checked the blog and found out about the missing child. Thanks to my sister-in-law for encouraging me to call in and report this child I saw as they found him shortly after I called. Thanks to the WS blog for immediately informing our community of why there are helicopters flying overhead or I never would have made that call!! I’m so glad this child was found so quickly, thanks to the police for taking my call seriously and following up with me later!

    • WSB October 21, 2014 (4:14 pm)

      And thank you for what you did, Barb.

  • Susan October 21, 2014 (4:44 pm)

    Barb–Thank you! As a WS parent, I am so grateful to live in a caring community where others look out for our children.

  • Jason October 21, 2014 (5:13 pm)

    Really glad he was found, and thank you Barb for making that call – really amazing display of awareness and willingness to take action. You’re a hero!

  • ScubaFrog October 21, 2014 (5:22 pm)

    How scary is that… I’m sooooo glad and grateful that he’s safe, and sound!

  • West Seattle Hipster October 21, 2014 (5:52 pm)

    Great news that he is home and safe. How relieved the parents must be.

    And Guy Olson, its a shame that you brought your racist views into the discussion. I agree with the other commenters, that comment was unnecessary.

  • Another Mom October 21, 2014 (6:00 pm)

    So glad he was found safe. Quite disturbing though that a 10yo child would run away. Was he running away from school and that’s why his backpack with a note was left there? Or was he running away from home? Sad in either case. Sure hope things improve for this young man.

  • heather October 21, 2014 (6:52 pm)

    Awww. Poor kiddo. I remember the wanting to “run away” period of my childhood. It’s hard being a kid.

  • Melissa October 21, 2014 (7:32 pm)

    I agree… It’s tough being a kid. Love this empathetic community. thanks WSB and Barb and all who helped find him. That is every parent’s worst nightmare. Hooray for this happy ending!

  • Guy Olson October 21, 2014 (7:40 pm)

    Rascist comments? It was angry sarcasm! I was angry there wasn’t an immediate Amber Alert for the child!! Wow!

    • WSB October 21, 2014 (7:45 pm)

      Unfortunately sarcasm doesn’t always translate in the flatness of the Internet. The Amber Alert question is one that is helpful to address; it usually comes up in the thankfully rare cases in which we’ve had missing children. If anyone recalls the Highland Park car theft/kidnapping case in late August, there was no Amber Alert then – more likely in that case, because there wasn’t enough time for authorities to get one going – the vehicle, baby inside, was found within 20 minutes.
      .
      https://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/seattle-police-searching-for-stolen-car-with-child-inside/

  • Alki Resident October 21, 2014 (7:55 pm)

    At least he’s safe.

  • Janae' Landis October 21, 2014 (8:11 pm)

    I actually agree with Guy. I also got his sarcasm. The statisitics on missing children back it up but that’s a thread for another day. Regarding Amber Alerts, It is up to the police whether to issue or not. They choose if a child is in “imminent danger” and act accordingly. Fortunately the child was found safely. If he hadn’t been we all would e having a different discussion. What if it were your child that was missing? What would you want done? As for Guy, if his statement makes him a racist, I guess I am too.

  • Marty October 21, 2014 (8:27 pm)

    Hey Guy, I saw it for the sarcasm you were trying to get across as I know the mass media / meme / Nancy Grace critism too. On the other hand those who comment on the West Seattle Blog are generally not the same as those on Reddit and Fark. Try “/*end sarcasm*/” at the end of sarcastic comments. I find that helps. :p

  • Guy Olson October 21, 2014 (9:10 pm)

    ^Got it.

  • WS Me October 21, 2014 (9:45 pm)

    I was out of WS when my friend text me of the boy missing.
    I was going home to change shoes, get my faithful pup and head out to help look for him!! WAS absolutely THRILLED to hear he was found & okay. This situation is EVERY parents worst nightmare!! And one we all need to take seriously. Which means we all have a roll in keeping kids safe! I bet he was in a heap of trouble once his folks were able to calm down & catch their breath!! SO glad it was a HAPPY ENDING!!!

  • Keven Ruf October 22, 2014 (5:28 am)

    I think this reporting was premature and turned a private issue into a public panic, potentially causing harm to the family. You should wait until the facts are in before inflaming situations like this. SPD should also reconsider their twitter policy. I find this irresponsible and damaging.

    • WSB October 22, 2014 (6:27 am)

      Keven, if SPD announces to the entire city that there is a missing child in West Seattle, we are going to report it. Period. What “facts” are we supposed to “wait” for? Don’t know if you use Twitter, but they do not announce more than a few developing situations per day, and the inference is always “this is serious” – it’s the equivalent of what would have been a news release in the pre-social media days. It would have been completely irresponsible of us NOT to publish it. – Tracy
      .
      (SPD’s Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/seattlepd – This feed comes from SPD’s public-affairs/media-relations staff, who choose what and when to tweet, usually just a few things a day.)

  • OldtimeHRparent October 22, 2014 (6:55 am)

    I thank you for publishing this information. The family called the police and asked for help in locating their son. It appears that having the community looking for him was how he was located. If the police did not act as they did and something tragic happened they would get a considerable amount of blame. Any embarrassment created is surely offset by having their son safely back home.

  • Gal Molsen October 22, 2014 (7:37 am)

    The Blog did a great thing today as they often do and as a result, Barb was able to be the final catylist in getting this boy found safely. Hard to argue with any of that. I have an 8 year old. This really hit home. So glad this boy is safe.

  • H October 22, 2014 (8:21 am)

    I agree with Gal & Old Time HR. Within a couple of hours of publishing the info, the boy was found. Imagine if it had been published sooner? Thank you SPD, WSB and Barb for all you did to help find him and bring him home safely. Prayers and support to the boy and his family.

  • Kathy October 22, 2014 (8:26 am)

    Sarcasm is a form of wit appropriate for humorous situations. I love sarcasm and am frequently tempted to use it and often have to resist that temptation with all my might. Unfortunately, often times, sarcasm = obfuscation.

  • Carol O. October 22, 2014 (9:07 am)

    The important thing is the boy was found, lighten up people.

  • newnative October 22, 2014 (4:37 pm)

    A missing child is a missing child and that should not be kept private. Due to public communication, this child was found and returned safely. Byond that, I do see that some member comments are pprivate and shouldn’t be shared on a public news blog. We don’t know the circumstances.

Sorry, comment time is over.