Mid-Michigan Teens Caught On The Run Will Be Monitored

MOUNT PLEASANT (WWJ) - A Michigan judge has ruled a couple of teens dubbed "Romeo and Juliet" must wear electronic monitors and can't have contact with each other, following their two-week getaway.

Jayden Thomas, 13, and Braxton Wood, 14 — who ran away on Aug. 26 — were found Sunday near Chicago.

Neither teen spoke during a court appearance on Monday, but family members addressed reporters following the hearing.

"We appreciate the media's response in this case; we appreciate their part in helping us get the kids home," said Sarah Wood. "It's a really hard time for us right now. We do want to thank everybody, but we would appreciate the privacy."

Chuck Foreman, whose non-profit missing children search organization had been helping in the hunt for the teens, said they found by a Good Samaritan who spotted their broken-down SUV.

"In the area they were found in, for being young kids, it was a very dangerous area. They are very fortunate," Foreman told the Huffington Post.

The teens haven't said why they took off in Braxton's mother's Ford Explorer — but family members said the young couple disappeared after they were discouraged from seeing each other.

Jayden's mother, Kelly Drinkwine, said she told her daughter that her budding romance with Braxton had become way too serious.

The two had been dating for about six months and were due to start their freshman year at different high schools.

WZZM-TV reported both Jayden Braxton and will be allowed to return to school — provided they wear GPS devices.

It's not clear if the teens will face any criminal charges.

Both are scheduled to appear in court again next month.