Update: Runaway Hazlet teen again found safe in Florida

HAZLET — A missing township boy has again been located safe in Florida, following his escape from a youth crisis facility, authorities said.

Hazlet police said Damien Thompson, 14, has been located in Florida, and arrangements are being made to send him home.

He had been on the lam since escaping from a youth crisis facility in Jacksonville, Florida, where sheriff's officers there took him Wednesday after finding him alive and well, police said.

Damian was reported missing when he ran away from his township home about 7:30 p.m. Saturday, according to police. He called his mother early Sunday morning and told her he was in New York. Police believe he took a train to the city.

Officials with the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff's Office contacted township police Wednesday to report they found Damien alive and well in their jurisdiction, township police said.

Damien was taken to the youth crisis facility in Jacksonville while arrangements could be made to return him home, police said.

However, Damien managed to escape from the facility and had been missing until he was again located safe, police said.

Kathleen Hopkins, a reporter in New Jersey since 1985, covers crime, court cases, legal issues and just about every major murder trial to hit Monmouth and Ocean counties. Contact her at khopkins@app.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Update: Missing Hazlet teen found safe in Florida