Missing 6-year-old boy found safe in San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A 6-year-old San Jose boy is back home safe and sound after being missing for nearly 24 hours.

Sergio Zepeda wandered away from his house Saturday morning and ended up miles away at a homeless camp.

Sergio was found at around 4:13 a.m. Sunday after a man living in a homeless encampment called police to report a child had stumbled into an area where several people were staying.

"He was just naked and I was in shock," Jose Salmern said.

Salmern never expected to see a 6-year-old boy wander into the South San Jose homeless camp where he was staying early Sunday. He says little Sergio was plenty tired and very hungry.

"They said he was OK, doing fine. He was just scared, that's all. I made sure he got a blanket and some food to eat and safe, that's all," Salmern said.

Salmern called police and authorities took Sergio to the hospital as a precaution and then home to his worried parents. They requested privacy and had their friends thank everyone who helped look for the boy who is autistic and doesn't communicate verbally.

His mother said Sergio wandered away from the family's home around 9 a.m. on Saturday wearing only a diaper and that he got out through the garage. "He opened it with a broom you know? So he figured out how to open it."

It was a frantic search on the ground and in the air. Neighbors stepped in to help look for Sergio also. "We were all around searching, over there and down there and then we also went up Communication Hill, it was crazy," Julia Kong said.

Police believe Sergio made a 2-mile trek after he walked down the street, over Communication Hill and into a homeless camp.

"I couldn't believe that, I was shocked, I can't even make it that far," Malia Thatch said.

Sergio has been reunited with his family and is resting up from his adventure.

Police said it does not appear any crime was committed in the child's disappearance, so no charges will be filed.