In a surprising turn of events, a 12-year-old boy who had been reported missing was found unaccompanied inside a Target store on the far east side of Columbus, Ohio. The boy was discovered on Monday morning after reportedly being in the store since the previous night.

According to the Columbus Police Department (CPD), an employee at the Target store located on East Broad Street near Reynoldsburg spotted the young boy at approximately 6:15 a.m. It remains unclear how the child was left alone in the store and the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Initially believed to be younger than 12, the child's parents reported him missing on Sunday. A search for the parents was conducted in nearby stores, but it was unsuccessful. Fortunately, at 11:40 a.m., the police were able to locate the parents and notify them of their son's whereabouts. They are expected to pick him up today.

Meanwhile, for the time being, the child has been taken into the care of Franklin County Children's Services. There have been no reports of any injuries, and CPD stated that no charges will be filed in this case.

Target Corporation, in response to the incident, declined to comment. The East Broad Street store, however, is reported to be open and operating as usual.

As the investigation continues, further details surrounding this unusual occurrence at Target will hopefully shed light on how the child ended up unattended in the store overnight. In the meantime, the priority remains ensuring the child's well-being and reuniting him with his family.