Heavy Police Presence In Wilton Ends With Teen Found In Woods

WILTON, CT — A multi-agency search in Wilton Tuesday morning ended when police found a 17-year-old boy from New York hiding in a wooded area, according to police.

The search began around 9:10 a.m. after a homeowner reported seeing a suspicious person on a neighbor's property, police said. When the homeowner confronted the person, he fled into a wooded area.

Wilton police began searching the surrounding area and requested assistance from Connecticut State Police and police departments in New Canaan and Westport.

During the search, police received multiple calls from residents reporting sightings of the teen moving through yards and properties. Police said the reports helped officers direct resources during the search.

Around 10:25 a.m., officers located the teen hiding in a wooded area on Middlebrook Farm Road, police said. Officers ordered him to come out of the woods, and he complied and was safely detained.

Police identified him only as a 17-year-old from New York.

Investigators determined the teen had left a hospital in Katonah, New York, that specializes in behavioral health treatment the previous evening, according to police. After coordinating with authorities in New York, Wilton police determined the incident was not criminal in nature.

The teen was taken to an area hospital for evaluation and care. New York law enforcement authorities also responded to help coordinate his safe return to New York, police said.

Police said there is no ongoing threat to the community and that the teen's identity will not be released.