DUNCOTT - A 14-year-old boy from New Jersey went missing for a couple hours Friday afternoon while riding his ATV with family members in the area known as the "Black Desert" just off Valley Road in Cass Township.
Cass-Foster police Chief Anthony Kuklinski said the family of Derek Guenther reported him missing at 2:19 Friday. Kuklinski said the family looked for him for about two and a half hours before calling the police.
Police said Guenther walked into the camp set up by emergency crews about 3:27 p.m. Friday.
Visiting for Memorial Day weekend from Annandale, N.J., the family said they usually ride the ATV trails on the Reading Anthracite lands when they stay in the area. Derek was riding a blue Yamaha Grizzly 450 on Friday and was wearing proper safety equipment.
"We are really appreciative of the people that came out to help," Jordan Guenther said shortly after being reunited with his son. "They were very well organized and professional. They were really amazing."
Jordan Guenther said there was a group of them riding ATVs when they all stopped to eat lunch. He said Derek was feeling adventurous and wandered off on his own.
"I couldn't find my way back so I stayed still," Derek Guenther said.
He said that his father told him that if he ever got separated to stay in one place until they find him.
Derek said it was the first time he was ever lost while riding an ATV. When his father asked him if it was also his last, Derek replied yes with a smile.
Also involved in the rescue were the Minersville police department and local fire companies from Minersville and Cass and Foster townships. Kuklinski also said a state police helicopter was called but the boy was found before it arrived on scene, adding there was no charge for the chopper.