Runaway teens found safe in Mecca

Two runaway Central California teens missing since last week were found safe in Riverside County, officials said today.

Mauricio Ojeda, 17, and Daniela Esquivel, 16, both from Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County, were found by sheriff’s deputies about 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to Sgt. Clint Wenter of the Paso Robles Police Department.

After the teens’ pictures were circulated online, police received information the two youths were in the area of Mecca Canyon “based on investigative leads from the public.”

Riverside County sheriff’s deputies said the teens were in the 2013 silver Ford Edge in which they’ve been traveling. They were found in good condition and were turned over to Riverside County Child Protective Services personnel to be reunited with their parents, who traveled to Riverside County to pick them up Wednesday night, Wenter said.

The pair didn’t show up for school a week ago today, according to Paso Robles police. They were suspected of having traveled to the Coachella Valley, where they have family.