A 2-year-old boy found wandering at an Encinitas park barefoot and by himself, has been reunited with his parents, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) confirmed.
The little boy was found walking around the Cottonwood Creek Park at 95 North Vulcan Ave. just before 1:30 p.m. Friday, deputies said.
The boy's parents reported him missing around 6 p.m. when they discovered that he was not at his preschool for pickup.
According to SDSO, the preschool had a "park day" Friday and there was a mixup with the head count, leading to the boy being left behind at the park.
Deputies scoured the park after the toddler was found, notified lifeguards at nearby beaches and sweeped nearby neighborhoods, parking lots and hospitals.
They also launched their ASTREA helicopter and made PA announcements in the area.
Deputies say the parents dropped off the toddler and his sibling at the preschool at 9 a.m.
Local
There will be no charges filed against the parents.
SDSO says the preschool is not being named because of the ongoing investigation.
