Two Indiana teenagers who fled their homes in a borrowed Mercedes to start "new lives" at an unknown destination were found safe nearly 1,300 miles from home.
The parents of Jordan Webb, 16, and Levi "David" Briggs, 15, confirmed to ABC News affiliate WRTV that the boys were found in Loma, Colo., today, where they were staying at the home of a friend they had met at camp. The boys traveled more than 1,000 miles after leaving their homes in Avon, Ind., on Saturday morning.
"This is amazing news and we are so thankful for everyone that has helped!" read a post on a Facebook page set up by the boys' families. "We could not have done this without the help of family/friends and social media! This is the biggest relief of our lives."
The boys sparked a frantic search by family members and Avon police after leaving notes for their parents Saturday saying they were "sorry" and "starting new lives," taking off in a Mercedes Benz for an unknown destination.
Police said the boys were last seen by their parents about 1 a.m. Saturday driving Webb's father's 2006 black Mercedes C350 with Indiana license plate 32R14, according to WRTV. Neither boy has a driver's license.
Police issued an alert in a nationwide database and family members created a Facebook and Twitter page dedicated to finding the teens. On the page, they posted information saying the boys might be headed to Colorado or New York City with "plans of changing their identities."
The boys "ditched" their cell phones and shut down their own Facebook accounts, according to their parents.
Paul Briggs, the father of David, wrote an impassioned plea for his son to come home and work things out with his parents.
"Dear David, Our world is upside down without you. We're not getting much sleep because we're always thinking about you. Come home. We'll get through whatever we have to, to get you back on track with a good future. You are worth it. I love you."
According to Avon Police Chief Jack Miller, the police department followed leads of possible sightings and interviewed friends of the boys.
"One of the unique things about this is that these kids come from good homes with loving parents, they mention in their notes that they love their parents, they were good in school, popular, there were no red flags," Miller said. "The boys each left a note and the notes basically said the same thing, that they were going to take this opportunity to strike out on their own."
Both families released statements in the wake of the boys' disappearance, though they did not elaborate on why Webb or Briggs may have decided to flee their homes and families.
"Jordan is loved and missed by his family and friends. We cannot imagine life without our son, and we will not stop looking until he's home safe, no matter how long it takes," the Webbs said.
"We pray for their safety and well-being," said the Briggs family. "We want you back, David, and want to fight side-by-side for your future. We ask for our friends' prayers and any information that will help us provide for David and Jordan's safety, well-being and safe return."
Word of the search for the two Indiana boys spread virally, as the Twitter hashtag "#FindJordanandDavid" sparked hundreds of tweets from supporters on the lookout for the young men.
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