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Police: Missing Hazlet teen found in Florida, then escapes from youth crisis facility

Hazlet police say that Damien Thompson was found alive and well in Jacksonville, Florida after he was reported missing on Dec. 16. He is now missing in Florida.

Matt Trapani

Dec 20, 2023, 8:27 PM

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A 14-year-old boy reported missing from Hazlet was found in Florida, but subsequently escaped from a youth crisis facility, according to authorities.

Hazlet police say that Damien Thompson was found alive and well in Jacksonville, Florida after he was reported missing on Dec. 16. Police say that he was taken to a youth crisis facility until arrangements could be made for him to return home. They say he escaped from that facility and is now missing in Florida.

RELATED: Police search for missing Hazlet boy believed to be in New York City

Officials say that on Dec. 17, Thompson called his mother and told her he was in New York. It was not known how he arrived in Florida several days later.

Anyone with information about Thompson’s disappearance should call the Hazlet Township Police Department at 732-264-6565 or the Jacksonville Sheriff's Department at 904-630-0500.

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