Crime & Safety
Hazlet Teen Is Again Safe In Florida Facility: Hazlet Police
Damien Thompson, 14, who left his Hazlet home Saturday, is back at a youth facility in Jacksonville, Fla., after a brief escape, police say.
HAZLET, NJ — A local teen reported missing from home - who then made his way to Jacksonville, Fla., where he escaped protection again - was back at a youth facility there Thursday, Hazlet police said in a morning update.
Wednesday morning, the Hazlet Township Police Department was contacted by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in Florida regarding the location of Damien Thompson, 14.
Damien was found alive and well and transferred to a Youth Crisis Facility in Jacksonville Wednesday until arrangements could be made for his safe return home, police here said.
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But shortly after, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office told Hazlet that Damien had escaped from the Youth Crisis Facility and was missing in Jacksonville, the department said Wednesday.
In an update on Thursday morning, Hazlet police said Damien was back again at the facility and safe.
Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On Saturday, Dec. 16, at approximately 7:30 p.m. Damien ran away from his home, police said Tuesday. His last contact was Sunday, Dec. 17, at approximately 1:45 a.m. when he called his mother in Hazlet and told her he was in New York. It was believed he used the train to get into New York City.
It was not disclosed how he got to Florida. But police said Thursday arrangements are being made for his return to Hazlet.
The latest update was posted on the police social media site.
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