A 14-year-old boy with autism who went missing Sunday, launching a desperate search, was found sleeping in a classroom 8 miles from his West Covina home, his family said Monday night.
The family notified NBC4 that the boy was found sleeping in a classroom at Azusa Pacific University, and police were en route just before 11 p.m.
The West Covina Police Department also confirmed the boy was found.
His family was worried about the cold weather and temperatures in the 40s in West Covina when they began the search for the boy.
"When my mom came to pick him up he wasn't in his room where he normally is. I'm worried!" Areli Lucatero, the boy's mother, said prior to him being found. "It's been raining and it's cold. He didn't leave with any cash in his pockets."
Adrian Raul Perez went missing sometime between 10:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday morning, when his family discovered his disappearance, West Covina police said.
"It's been really scary to know he's out there, not know where exactly he is," Lucatero said. "I want to get him home tonight."
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The La Puente Hills High School freshman was last seen at his home in the 1300 block of Brooktree Circle before he turned up in Azusa.
His family told police that he has limited social skills, and would likely avoid people.
"He does not have a cellphone, and he is high functioning," Lucatero said. "He is able to communicate, but he's very reserved, very shy. It's not likely that he will approach anybody to ask for help which makes it even more concerning."
The boy went missing just before a storm hit Southern California Sunday night, bringing wet weather, high winds, and hail to some areas.
