Police have initiated a custodial interference case in connection with a 9-year-old boy who was taken in by a Puna family overnight after the child ran away from home Wednesday afternoon.
Police have initiated a custodial interference case in connection with a 9-year-old boy who was taken in by a Puna family overnight after the child ran away from home Wednesday afternoon.
The case, which prompted an Amber alert, began after the boy, Disen Hue-Aragaki, left his home in Kurtistown around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday after having an argument with his mother.
Walking along 40th Avenue in Orchidland, the Hue-Aragaki was eventually found by a family who took him to their home on Railroad Avenue in Hilo. When the people who took Hue-Aragaki in were notified that he was reported missing, they notified police.
“We want to public to understand that it is not OK to keep a lost child overnight before calling police,” said Assistant Chief Henry Tavares in a statement. “The proper response is to call 911 as soon as possible after you find a child who is lost or wandering alone without adult supervision.”
Police urge parents to keep a current photo of their children, along with other important details—such as physical description and medical history—that will help police if a child goes missing.