Missing teens are safe after search by family & police

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Two teenagers who went missing and sparked a search have contacted their parents and reported they are safe. Family members of the two valley teenagers had been worried about the teens' well-being.

The Phoenix Police Department said 17-year-old Natalie Marion and 16-year-old Jared Smith were reported missing Sunday night. The teens had last been seen in Mesa near Ellis Street and Adobe Road.

Police say that on Saturday Natalie and Jared contated their parents and told them they were safe and had food and shelter. Both are now considered runaways, police say.

The teens' families were worried that their car may have broken down while they were camping. Neither teen has contacted their family in over four days.

"We truly are fearing for their safety at this point, we are at a loss, it is totally uncharacteristic," said Joann Malika before the teens were reported safe. "I'm just upset and I'm scared please let me know you are ok, at least reach out to somebody," said Joann.