Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
UPDATE: The two missing boys have been found. According to initial reports, the boys had planned to camp in some sheds at a local home improvement store. - - - - - -
Earlier
John Hollenhorst Reporting
A search is underway in Davis County for two missing boys. They left home 11 hours ago, and no one is sure where they went.
There is no reason to suspect foul play, but as darkness deepens, worries are increasing. The two youngsters were last seen on little Razr Scooters.
The boys are neighbors who live a few houses apart. The boys are 8-year-old Eric Lerma and his friend, 9-year-old Malcom Jamal Baker.
Eric Lerma's older brother, Jorge, says this is not typical behavior. "He sneaks out every once in a while, but it's just short distances, like he'll go over to his friend's house like right behind, or over to his other friend's house. But this is the first time he's ever gone far."
There have been unconfirmed sightings as far as two miles away in Sunset. Authorities have set up a wide search area. The stepmother of Malcom Jamal Baker says she's a little worried but hoping for the best.
"And I'm thinking now he's just lost. He doesn't know where he is right now. He's really shy. He doesn't walk up to a stranger and say 'How you doing?' He's not that independent," Maya Baker said.
Clinton Police Chief Bill Chilson says, "I mean, right now we don't suspect any foul play. But 8- and 9-year-old kids out running around where they shouldn't be, I mean, what can we expect? We don't know. So that's why we've got so many people out looking."
There are about 75 officers searching right now, and they welcome other people to join them. They'll be searching through the night.
If you'd like to join the search, they ask that you report to the command station, which has been set up behind West Clinton elementary school, at 2750 West 2000 North in Clinton.
