The missing child of a billionaire has been found in the back of white van a week after they first disappeared.
Mint Butterfield, who is the only child of Slack co-founder Stewart Butterfield and Flickr tycoon Caterina Fake, was located safe in San Francisco around 11:30pm on Saturday (27 April) after last being seen at the family home nearly a week before (21 April).
Fake realised that Mint was not at home a day later, and discovered a note, indicating that Mint had left the residence, with a suitcase at 'an unknown time during the night or early morning'.
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According to authorities, it was believed, based on statements from Fake, that Mint may have left for the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, notorious for its high crime rates.
The Tenderloin area is particularly infamous for its significant issues of homelessness alongside being a centre for the narcotics trade, especially fentanyl.
Mint, who uses they/them pronouns, was listed as an 'at-risk missing person' and efforts to locate them had been continuous.
In an official press release, the Marin Country Sheriff's Office (MCSO) stated: "Through this investigation, Detectives learned Mint may have been associated with an adult friend, identified as Christopher 'Kio' Dizefalo, a 26-year-old male out of San Francisco."
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The release explained that a vehicle associated with Dizefalo was identified as a white van and was located in San Francisco.
"Dizefalo and Mint were believed to be inside," it continued. "SFPD officers contacted the van and its occupants and located Mint safe inside.
"Marin County Sheriff’s Office Detectives responded out to interview Dizefalo and recover Mint."
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The teen was uninjured and detectives confirmed they had run away from their home voluntarily.
Following interviews conducted by MCSO Detectives, Dizefalo was arrested for multiple criminal violations and was booked in the Marin County Jail, where his bail was set at $50,000.
Mint has since returned to the custody of their family.
The press release concludes: "The Marin County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the assistance of the San Francisco Police Department, the Oakland Police Department and the FBI for their continuous efforts in helping us locate Mint."
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It adds: "We would like to also thank the other governmental and non-governmental agencies who reached out and offered additional resources.
"Additionally, we appreciate the help from the public in trying to locate Mint and providing tips that ultimately led to their safe return."
Rhiannon Ingle