Children missing from Washington Heights apartment found safe

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (WABC) -- The NYPD says two children who had been reported missing from their home in Washington Heights have been found at a friend's house.

Nine-year-old Justin Tapia and 10-year-old Andy Cruz, who are brothers, were last seen by their uncle Tuesday evening at their apartment on 183rd Street.

They were reportedly on their way home to their building when they were spotted.

Police are taking them to the precinct to be checked out.

Detectives had been talking to family members and friends in the neighborhood, as well as visiting places where the two boys are known to hang out.

The children's mother had also been working with police, doing whatever she can to get her boys back home.

"Really concerned because they've never done something like this," a family friend said. "I hope that they're fine and they just come home."