When Cody returned home, it was in a police car, so his reunion with his mother was both tearful and joyous.
Police were a little perplexed. Kimberly Burton had told them Cody had no history of running away, so they launched an intense all-night search for the boy.
She told ABC7 he wouldn't go exploring on his own, but Cody did go exploring after he took the trash out. He apparently got lost and walked to a friend's house 10 miles away in Woodland Hills.
"He went to a friend's house. The door was unlocked, there was nobody home, he went inside, and the family arrived sometime late last night and found him there," said LAPD Capt. Maureen Ryan.
Ryan said Cody was unable to remember his mom's cell phone number.
Cody was scared, but otherwise OK.
Police said there are larger issues in the incident: Everyone should know to inform their children of their address and phone number, and make sure they know them by heart. And if you're a family and someone shows up on your doorstep, don't hesitate to call police.
