Dakota Kempton

Two million juveniles aged 13 to 17 run away from home or other residences every year.

Their reasons are as complex and complicated as a typical teenager’s psyche.

They may disagree with authority figures about friends, curfews, attire, school attendance, or grades.

They may not want to go to school because of bullying or other social issues—or there may be abuse where they live.

Drugs or alcohol may guide their choices.

Or the teens want freedom and believe they can handle being on their own.

Often, these teens come home quickly when they see that running away does not solve their problems. Or they are brought back by law enforcement.

Sometimes, as in the case of Dakota Kempton, they are never seen again.

Dakota Kempton was 15-years-old when he vanished between 6:00 and 6:45 a.m. on May 11, 2009 from a shelter care juvenile facility, Children’s Square USA in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Dakota was born August 8, 1993 and stood 5-feet-8 and weighed 166 pounds when he disappeared. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.

Did Dakota disappear into the life of the street or was he a victim of foul play?

If you have any information concerning this case, contact Det. Brandon Danielson at the Council Bluffs Police Department at 712-326-2508. Or click here to visit the DPS Missing Person Information Clearinghouse.