VIDALIA — A teenager reported missing on Dec. 27 was found Tuesday after a local family saw a news story about the boy.

Hunter Lee Smith, 15, of Vidalia has reportedly been staying with an area family since he ran away from home on Christmas night.

Smith had stayed with the family before, a Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office police report said. The family did not know Smith had run away or that his parents did not know his whereabouts.

“We feel absolutely certain that this family had no idea that he had not contacted his parents and that people were concerned for his safety and whereabouts,” CPSO Chief Investigator Bobby Sheppard said.

Smith was reported missing by his mother, Jackie Smith, after he fled his North Grove Drive residence near Vidalia following an argument on Christmas.

Smith met with CPSO officers Tuesday evening.

“He’s back and he’s well,” Sheppard said. “We want to thank everyone who assisted in bringing this case to a good conclusion.”