After Hours Of Searching, Hunt For Kids Believed Stuck In Corona Storm Drain Called Off

CORONA (CBSLA.com) — Officials in Corona on Friday searched for hours for two boys believed to have been stuck in a storm drain.

After 10 p.m., with no signs of the boys anywhere, officials called off the search.

KCAL9's Crystal Cruz reported from the scene.

Dozens of firefighters searched the storm drains in and around Bedford Canyon and Georgetown Road, authorities told Cruz.

The area is restricted to the public.

The boys were reportedly looking for a lost skateboard and allegedly fell down or went into the storm drain.

A passerby claimed to have heard screaming and called 911.

Firefighters told Cruz they also heard some screaming but communication soon went silent.

That's when search crews suited up and went down several connecting storm drains.

Officials theorize the boys were able to get out of the storm drain on their own.

"We repositioned and determined that with multiple access points to exit the storm drain, we have called off our last entry," Corona Fire Department Public Information Officer John Deyoe said.

He added: "It's pretty clear they had an escape route."