Two children found after wandering in rugged mountain area seven hours

Robert Macy

Monday, May 29, 2000 | 11:16 a.m.

Two children who wandered away from a family outing were found in a rugged mountain area northwest of Las Vegas Monday night, seven hours after they touched off an intensive ground and aerial search.

The boys, ages 5 and 7, were spotted by a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Search and Rescue helicopter about 7:30 p.m. They were reported missing about 12:30 p.m. Monday when they wandered away from a family outing in the Lee Canyon area of Mount Charleston, about 20 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

A 6-year-old boy also wandered away with the pair, but was found unharmed about an hour after the trio disappeared.

Metro Police spokesman Steve Meriwether said the two who were found at dusk appeared to be in good condition. He said the two were walking down the mountain when spotted by a search and rescue helicopter. He said the youngsters were waving at the helicopter.

One helicopter hovered overhead to keep track of the youngsters while a second went to get workers who could be put on the ground to bring the boys to safety.

Meriwether said the two were found about six miles from the point where they wandered off earlier in the afternoon.

A dozen Metro officers were joined by about 30 volunteers who spent the afternoon and evening searching for the pair, Meriwether said. Two helicopters and two bloodhounds were also used in the search.

"The big goal was to find the kids before dark," Meriwether said. "And we just made it."

The names of the youngsters and their parents were not immediately available.