Merced County sheriff’s deputies found a missing 17-year-old boy in an orchard Tuesday night after he became lost while walking near his home, authorities said.

Deputies responded late Tuesday night to the 3000 block of E. Olive Avenue after the teen’s father reported that his son had gone for a walk to watch the sunset and never returned.

During the investigation, deputies learned the teen had called his father and said he was lost and needed help before the call was disconnected. Authorities said the family had recently moved to the area, and the teen was unfamiliar with the surrounding orchards.

Deputies gathered additional information from the family to narrow the search area and quickly located the teen about a mile from his home in an orchard.

Deputies provided medical aid before the teen was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for further treatment.

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