Two Hunters Found Safe Near Arnold

Arnold, CA --Two missing hunters have been located safe in Calaveras County, but officials are still investigating a separate missing persons case.

Wednesdsay morning Search and Rescue Teams located 18-year-old Cody Deoste and 14-year-old Ryan Geto of Arnold who went hunting Northeast of Arnold Tuesday and failed to return home.

Sgt. Dave Seawell says, "The kids are fine. Their vehicle had gotten stuck in the mud."

Deoste was able to send a text message to a friend and that helped rescue officials find where they were located.

In a separate incident, Seawell says 37-year-old Devin Smith of Douglass Flat has not been seen since leaving to go hunting on Monday. His vehicle was located northeast of Arnold in the area of Swamp Creek. A CHP helicopter, Sheriff's Department ground units and nine canines are currently taking part in the search.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.