This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A missing 12-year-old Centerville boy was found safe on Saturday afternoon, about 24 hours after he ran away from home, police reported.
About 4 p.m. Friday, Deacon Phillips and his family were arguing when he took off barefoot, said Sgt. Allen Ackerman. He left without a phone or any money, the sergeant said.
His family immediately called the police, but officers couldn't find him. He and his family only moved to Centerville from Salt Lake City in February, so he did not know people in the area, Ackerman said.
On Friday, a passerby saw Deacon wet and cold on the side of the road, and gave him a ride, Ackerman said. The man took Deacon to Kohl's for new clothes and shoes, then drove him to Taylorsville at the boy's request.
Police do not know what Deacon told the man about his situation or why he needed to go to Taylorsville, Ackerman said.
When the news reports went out Saturday, the man realized the boy he gave a ride to was Deacon. He contacted police, who found Deacon near a relative's home.
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