Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Alex Cabrero ReportingOne child thought to be lost was actually with his friends, but his parents didn't call police to report him missing for almost two days.
His parents think the reason is simple, eight-year old Jesus Daniel Perez has walked away from home several times before, but he always came back the next day. This time when he didn't, his parents got worried and called police.
As a bike officer, Reed Briggs sees things everyday the rest of us don't see, but when he saw Jesus Perez, he couldn't believe it.
Reed Briggs, Salt Lake Police Dept.: “He was all by himself near a chain-link fence there at the school grounds.”
You see, this eight-year old boy had been missing for nearly two days, but here's the part that really bugs police, the boy’s parents didn't call them until after he had been missing for nearly two days.
Det. Cody Lougy, Salt Lake Police Dept.: “On this one we were a little behind the curve ball, trying to play catch-up.”
The boy’s father says he had good reason. His son has walked away from home several times in the past and always came back the next day. It's become something the family just kind of got used to, even though he's only eight-years old.
Gabino Perez, Jesus's Father: “My biggest worry is because he’s never done that before.”
Fortunately, this story has a happy ending, but not all of them do.
Det. Kevin Joiner, Salt Lake Police Dept.: “Every, every second counts. The minute a parent thinks their child is missing, they need to give us a call immediately.”
Yeah, the thought of an eight-year old being allowed to just wander alone for a day makes us wonder, why? Police say they'll explain to the family why this is something that shouldn't be allowed, especially for an eight-year old.
