Peoria teen swept away in floodwaters found alive

PEORIA, Ill. (WLS) -- The Peoria teenager who clung to a tree branch for hours after being swept away by floodwaters was able to walk out of a tunnel by himself.

Demarcus Jackson was playing by a creek Sunday night when he fell into the rushing water and was swept away. A massive search followed, but the water was too high.

The teen's mom feared the worst and then two searchers found Demarcus walking out of a tunnel.

"He's got a little scratches but he's OK. I just want to say thank you for your prayers and your concerns," Patricia Sanders, mother, said.

Jackson told searchers he stayed in the same spot, holding onto a tree branch all night.