7-year-old reported missing from grandfather's house in Central LA found safe

7-year-old reunited with family after going missing

A 7-year-old boy is home safe and with loved ones after going missing for hours. FOX 11 cameras were there for the touching reunion.

LOS ANGELES - After hours of searching, a 7-year-old boy who was reported missing from the Arlington Heights neighborhood in Central Los Angeles has been found safe, officers announced Wednesday afternoon.

Derek Clay was last seen around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday playing in the courtyard of an apartment complex located on Crenshaw and Pico boulevards where he lives with his grandfather and biological brother.

Derek, who is on spring break, often plays in the courtyard alone, but this time, he did not return home and was reported missing around 10 p.m.

LAPD detectives used bloodhounds during the search overnight but were unable to locate him. Around 3 p.m. Wednesday the police department announced that the boy was safely located in downtown LA, walking near 5th and San Pedro.

Missing 7-year-old found safe near Skid Row

Derek Clay had been missing since Tuesday afternoon, but was found safe Wednesday in Downtown LA.

They believe no foul play is involved; but it is unclear how the child made his way to downtown. The boy was found about six miles away from his home near Skid Row.

Fox 11 News was the first to tell Donald Lewis, the boy’s custodial parent who he refers to as grandpa, that Derek was safe and in the care of LAPD.

Surprisingly, LAPD informed the media first, before the child's grandfather.

Missing LA 7-year-old found safe in DTLA

Derek Clay had been missing since Tuesday night, but was found safe Wednesday in Downtown Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

He explained the boys’ mother has been in and out of their lives. She lost custody of Derek in October and that's when Lewis stepped in to care for the boy.

Officers were able to locate the mother and speak with her, but it is unclear if she knew about his whereabouts.

Police say there is no reason to believe he ran away.

Anyone with info is urged to call 877-527-3247 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can also submit tips online.