The Long Beach community breathed a collective sigh of relief when it was announced that 12-year-old Sergio Castanon, who had been missing since the morning of January 24, was found safe and unharmed. The Long Beach Police Department confirmed his safe return, stating that after an extensive search, Sergio was located and is now back at home with his family. The details of where he was found and the circumstances of his return have not been disclosed.
Earlier that day, concern grew quickly after the young boy was reported missing. It was not the first time Sergio Castanon had disappeared, his past incidents often resolving with him returning on his own or being found nearby. According to a release by the Long Beach Police, Sergio had been involved in a disagreement with his mother that morning, a spat centered on his resistance to school and her stipulations. The boy, who had no car, cell phone, or money, fled from his residence on the 400 block of Maine Avenue after the dispute.
Police described Sergio as a Hispanic male, about 5 feet tall, weighing around 120 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a Black Raiders beanie, a navy blue shirt, black pants, and black Nike Jordan shoes. As a youth considered at risk, especially given his previous threats of self-harm during heated disagreements with his mother, authorities were particularly invested in locating him swiftly.
The Long Beach Police Department extended their gratitude to the public for the help in finding Sergio. They reminded the community about the importance of timely information in such cases, urging anyone with knowledge about similar incidents to reach out using their direct line or anonymously through "LA Crime Stoppers". These reports could potentially prevent more critical situations from occurring, or, at least, aid in their quick resolution.
