Search and Rescue looks for south county boy
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue teams began a search late Sunday night near Hidden Valley Lake that continued early Monday for a missing boy who is believed to have run away from home.
On Sunday night, Middletown resident Bo Darnell posted on Facebook that her 12-year-old son Austin had been missing since the afternoon.
He was reportedly last seen in the area of Burnt Oak Road, Coons Flat and Jerusalem Grade Road northeast of Hidden Valley Lake, according to social media posts.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Aaron Clark confirmed to Lake County News late Sunday night that authorities were searching for the boy.
Clark said the boy ran away from home at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
The family called law enforcement at about 7:30 p.m., Clark said.
He said Search and Rescue personnel were able to quickly mobilize just before 8 p.m.
The search on Sunday night included a large group of more than 20 participants who were working in rough terrain, Clark said.
Searchers were reported to be continuing their efforts to locate the boy early Monday in the midst of cold, rainy conditions.
Just after 2:10 a.m., the Northshore Fire Protection District Support Team was toned out to respond to the search site, according to radio traffic.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.