A boy hiding in the bushes in Watauga, Texas, afraid of getting into trouble for being out late managed to evade authorities for hours, police say.

Police said after members of six law enforcement agencies searched for the missing boy for more than five hours, the 9-year-old was found hiding under bushes in the Texas city, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram said Friday.

The incident began late Wednesday night when the boy realized he would arrive at home late after playing video games at a friend's house, police said.

Police said instead of going home, the child hid in the bushes to avoid any immediate punishment.

In fear for the missing child, the family called police and a major search of the area ensued until the early morning Thursday discovery, the Star-Telegram said.

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