Missing boy, 8, turns up for start of school day

Sinclair Baldwin, 8, center, returns home this morning after he was reported missing by his mother, pictured at left with a Hillsborough Sheriff's detective, around 11 p.m. Wednesday. [Casey Cora | Times]

TOWN 'N COUNTRY --  After an overnight areawide search that drew canine units and a Sheriff's helicopter, a missing 8-year-old boy turned up for the start of the school this morning, authorities said.

Sinclair Baldwin, who lives at the Harbor Walk and Sandstone Apartments, 6102 Webb Road, was last seen around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The boy, described as a frequent runaway, was reported missing by his mother around 11 p.m.

Sheriff's deputies went door-to-door at the apartment complex and blasted reverse 911 calls to residents in the surrounding area. Thursday would be the second time he has stayed away all night, authorities said.

Then, just after 8 a.m. today, investigators said Baldwin showed up for classes at Woodbridge Elementary School, about a half mile from his apartment, this morning.

A Sheriff's detective brought Baldwin and his mother back to the apartment just before 9 a.m.

"He's safe, he's fine," his mother said. "We've got to deal with his issues."

Casey Cora, Times staff writer