A 7-year-old boy reported missing prompted an alert and neighborhood search Friday afternoon in Cortez.

But the boy was actually never missing, and had been sleeping in a room in the house, said Lt. Andy Brock.

“He is a small boy and was taking a nap under a bunch of covers that hid him,” Brock said.

The mother did not see him, and the boy’s location was also missed by an officer who searched the room, including under the bed.

“The mother is feeling a bit sheepish, and we learned to check rooms better,” Brock said.

The boy was reported missing around 2 p.m. by his mother from his home at Sleeping Ute Apartments, at 516 Madison St.

A message sent out by the Montezuma County Emergency Alert System stated the was last seen at the apartment complex at 1:18 p.m. He was wearing a light-gray hoodie, dark gray sweatpants and checkered vans.

Brock said the boy was found at home at 2:55 p.m.

Brock said every officer on duty was searching for the boy, and many citizens also organized search parties.

“It was great to see the community coming out to help,” Brock said. “The mother was very worried. We’re glad it all turned out ok.”

The Nixle alert generated a few tips but did not result in finding the boy, Brock said. Nearby schoolyards and playgrounds were searched.

Security video from the Sleeping Ute Apartments was being reviewed by police for information on whether he left on his own or with somebody, but no clues were immediately found.

“He has been located,” Brock said.