Runaway Boy, 14, Lived in Walmart For Two Days

The boy allegedly wore diapers to avoid detection.

ByABC News
August 13, 2014, 4:49 PM

— -- A Texas runaway hid out in a Walmart store for more than two days, burrowing into a stack of paper towels and toilet paper with a second hideout among baby products and strollers, according to authorities and video evidence.

The 14-year-old boy, who has not been identified, was reported missing on July 28. He was staying with his aunt in Corsicana, Texas, while his parents were out of town, Corsicana Police Chief Randy Bratton said today in a statement. The family told police he has a history of running away, the statement said.

Two days later, at around 11 p.m., police were called to an around-the-clock Walmart, where employees had found the boy.

Photos released today by news station KTVT show where the boy allegedly hid while in the store: in a display of baby products and strollers and behind a stack of paper towels and toilet paper.

KTVT obtained a photo of the trail of trash that reportedly led Walmart employees to the boy. Sources also told the station the boy wore diapers in the store to avoid using the restroom and being caught.

The runaway was brought to the police station after he was found and was in “fine condition” physically, the chief said.

Police did not notify Child Protective Services as there were no indications the boy was living in a dangerous environment or the victim of abuse or neglect, according to the release.

The county’s Juvenile Probation Office is now handling the case.

A spokesman for Walmart told ABC News today the company is “looking into the situation.”

Editor's Note: The version of this story that appeared on "Good Morning America" incorrectly stated that the youth was living in the store for four days. Authorities later said that they believe he was in the store for approximately 54 hours.