(May 8, 2007) —

Automated telephone calls to Webster residents helped authorities find a 14-year-old boy who became lost Monday night at Webster Park.

The youth, described as having developmental disabilities, wandered away from his parents while visiting the park, said Webster police Sgt. Kevin Hall. The teen was reported missing shortly after 7 p.m.

The Emergency Communications Department then used its Hyper-Reach system to telephone town residents with a recorded message.

A Rothwood Drive resident alerted by the message saw the boy sitting in the woods behind a neighbor's house and called 911 about 9:15 p.m. The location is nearly a mile from where he was last seen, Hall said.

Webster and Irondequoit police as well as Monroe County sheriff's deputies and dogs searched the area, and a State Police helicopter was being called when the youth was found.

"He got lost and disoriented," Hall said. The teen, who lives in Wayne County, was not injured.