San Bernardino County’s Children and Family Services Division is investigating a troubling incident relating to the disappearance of an adolescent who went missing temporarily before turning up injured 90 miles from home.
The youth, whose age has not been disclosed, was reported as a runaway to the Barstow Police Department on December 26.
On Sunday, December 27, the California Highway Patrol dispatch center received a call reporting that a young man, who was apparently injured, was on foot walking along the shoulder of the eastbound 91 Freeway in Corona. When a California Highway Patrol officer, later accompanied by another unit arrived near the location indicated at 4:18 p.m., a juvenile male was seen walking on the right side of the eastbound 91, just west of the 71 Freeway. The subject had injuries to his head, neck and back. Medical personnel were dispatched to the location, and provided first aid to the young man at the scene. He was subsequently transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center for further medical attention.
Upon his identity being ascertained, the San Bernardino County Child Protection Services Department was notified. Two child protective services personnel retrieved the subject from the hospital.
The youth was in their protective custody as of earlier this week and the San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services was detailed to carry out a full investigation into the matter.