CLEARLAKE — The body of a boy who was considered missing following a failed water search Thursday was located Friday morning. Detective Ryan Peterson said because the investigation is ongoing, the name of the boy and those of his family are not being released at this time.
Clearlake Police responded to the 12000 block of Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake Thursday following a report of a missing 17-year-old boy. According to Peterson, upon officers” arrival witnesses stated the boy was swimming with friends in the area.
Peterson said witnesses stated they last saw the boy standing in the water near the shoreline of Clear Lake. “At some point later, it was discovered that the (boy) was not in the area,” he said.
Family and friends began searching for the boy and after a short search of the area, the boy”s mother contacted law enforcement. Officers responded and began searching for the boy. Peterson said officers received information that the boy suffered from mental health disorders and epilepsy. In addition, officers were told that the boy had a history of wandering.
“Based on the circumstances and proximity to the water, the Lake County Sheriff”s Office (LCSO) Boat Division was requested by Clearlake Police and arrived shortly after to assist with the search of the water,” Peterson said. “A search of the water and surrounding areas showed no leads as to the whereabouts of the (boy).”
The boy was still missing Friday morning and police requested a dive team through the LCSO. Peterson said a dive team from Northshore Fire Protection District later arrived on scene to continue a search of the area where the boy was last seen. “After conducting the search, a body of a (boy) matching the description of the missing (boy) was located and determined to be deceased,” Peterson said. “The (boy) was identified as the missing (boy) after he was removed from the water.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Peterson at 994-8251.
