Missing teenage boy found safe in Merced, police say

Update:

James Covert has been located safe and returned to his family, according to the Merced Police Department. Merced police Lt. Emily Foster said the boy was located walking by himself shortly after 2 p.m. in the area of West Yosemite Avenue and R Street. A few citizens spotted Covert and alerted police.

Here is our original story:

Authorities are asking the public for help in locating a missing teenage boy in Merced.

Police are looking for 13-year-old James Covert who reportedly ran away form his home in the area of West Yosemite Avenue and R Street, according to Merced police Lt. Emily Foster.

Foster said Covert was reported missing by family just after 9 a.m. Tuesday. Police said Covert has a learning disability and is believed to be on foot and still in the Merced area.

He was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and red and black shoes, according to a Merced Police Department news release.

Anyone with information about is location is asked to contact the Merced Police Department dispatch number at 209-385-6906.

This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 1:38 PM.