Fled Home for Fear of Punishment After Breaking a Cell Phone: Minor Found Hidden Near Cemetery in Arequipa
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A 13-year-old boy in Arequipa, Peru, ran away from home after accidentally breaking his mother's cell phone.
- He was found by police hiding near a cemetery after an extensive search that lasted into the early morning hours.
- The boy was unharmed and reunited with his mother, who was able to celebrate Mother's Day with relief.
In a heartwarming turn of events that highlights both the anxieties of adolescence and the dedication of law enforcement, a 13-year-old boy in Arequipa, Peru, has been safely located after running away from home. The incident began on Thursday, May 7, when the teenager, overcome with guilt after accidentally damaging his mother's cell phone, fled his residence in Huancarqui. Fearing punishment, he sought refuge in the outskirts of the district, unaware of the risks involved.
Un menor de 13 años huyó de su vivienda por miedo a recibir un castigo después de haber roto un teléfono celular.
His mother, understandably distressed, immediately reported his disappearance to the Aplao police station. A search operation was launched, involving officers from the PNP de Aplao who scoured the urban areas without success. As concern grew with the passing hours, the search expanded to more remote and desolate sectors. It was in the vicinity of the Huancarqui cemetery, guided by intuition, that the police, led by Commander Rosas, finally located the boy hiding in the hills.
El adolescente desapareció a las 5.00 p. m. Según relató su progenitora, el menor se sintió muy culpable por haber dañado el equipo móvil y terminó ocultándose en las afueras del distrito, sin dimensionar el riesgo al que se exponía.
The rescue operation was arduous, spanning from 5:00 PM until 3:00 AM the following morning. The terrain was difficult, with slippery slopes and loose sand posing a significant danger, even to experienced officers. Despite the challenging conditions and the late hour, six officers, equipped with helmets and flashlights, found the boy. He was wearing only a t-shirt and shorts, inadequate clothing for the cold night, but fortunately, due to Huancarqui's warm climate, he did not suffer from hypothermia. The reunion with his mother was emotional, bringing immense relief, especially as it allowed her to celebrate Mother's Day with peace of mind. This incident serves as a reminder of the emotional complexities faced by young people and the critical role of community support and diligent police work in ensuring their safety.
Fue localizado en esos cerros de terreno difícil, con pendientes resbaladizas y arena suelta que cedía con cada paso.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La República in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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