14-Year-Old Boy Hid In Walmart Store For Days, Undetected
A 14-year-old boy hid out inside a Walmart store for several days — undetected. Corsicana, Texas, authorities said the teen built two “hidden compounds,” where he stored his personal items and slept. Although he remained inside the store the entire time, he avoided detection for up to four days.
Child Protective Services confirmed the teen was supposed to be staying with an aunt, as his parents were out of town. It is unclear whether the aunt reported the boy missing. However, authorities said the teen has a history of running away from home.
The 14-year-old boy reportedly used Walmart merchandise to stock his hidden compounds and avoid detection. It is unclear how long the teen planned his adventure, but he appeared to have a fairly elaborate plan.
As reported by the Washington Post, the boy constructed two different hiding areas. In the baby aisle, he hid behind large stroller boxes. In the paper aisle, he built a makeshift home behind stacks of paper towels and toilet paper.
While hiding in the paper aisle, the teen easily accessed bottled water by reaching through to the adjacent aisle. Authorities said the boy’s compounds were well-stocked with food, bedding, clothes, and a pet fish.
The 14-year-old boy avoided Walmart security by changing his outfit numerous times throughout the day. He also avoided using the restroom by wearing diapers.
Although his plan was nearly flawless, the 14-year-old boy failed to dispose of his trash. Walmart security eventually discovered the boy amid a pile of garbage.
Walmart spokesman Brian Nick said the store is not interested in pressing charges, as their primary “concern was getting the child to safety.”
The boy’s mother confirmed he has run away from home on numerous occasions. Although he usually stays in abandoned homes, he has “camped out” inside other places of business. It is unclear if the teen has ever been charged with unruly behavior.
Although Walmart is satisfied with the outcome, the county Juvenile Probation Office is considering criminal charges.
As reported by CBS News, authorities explored the possibility that the boy had been abused. However, they determined the teen was not “a victim of possible abuse or neglect or… living in a dangerous environment.”
The 14-year-old boy has not revealed why he hid inside the Walmart store, or why he continues to run away from home.
