Missing Prospect Hill Academy student found safe

On February 17, 2010, in Latest News, by The News Staff

By Tom Nash

A 5-year-old boy was found by a resident on Medford Street last Friday after the Prospect Hill Academy reported him missing.

According to police, Jonathan Escobar of Medford was feeling unwell and supposed to be picked up by his mother from the school, located at 15 Webster Ave. Instead, surveillance cameras showed he had walked out on his own.

After about an hour, and help from Cambridge, Medford and state police, a Medford Street resident called in to report she had seen him. Police said she remained with the boy until he was picked up.

Acting Chief Michael Cabral thanked Prospect Hill Academy officials and other police departments for their cooperation with the search.

"I am pleased by the cooperative effort that was quickly organized in the search for Jonathan and wish to thank our local resident who saw Jonathan and quickly called police," Cabral said in a statement.

Police said they will meet with school officials to review the incident later this month. A community forum on safety will be held at the school at 6 p.m. Feb. 23.