UPDATE (Aug. 17th, 10:40 AM):
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck provided the following update Thursday regarding the disappearance of 13-year-old Joseph Czyz, of Owasco.
“As previously reported, Joseph Czyz, the missing teen from the town of Owasco, was located safe last evening and returned to his family. The reason for his disappearance was not initially known; however, it was determined upon locating him that he had been avoiding discovery at another location in Owasco.
” I would like to personally thank the countless people and agencies, including the dedicated men and women of our Sheriff’s Office, that rallied to help with this investigation and search for this teen with great concern for his welfare, not knowing why he had disappeared. During the course of my career, I have had the opportunity numerous times to see our community come together in a massive way to support others in times of need. This situation was yet another clear example.
“Thank you to the Owasco Fire Department for assisting with coordination efforts, Auburn Fire Department, and all of our local fire and emergency medical providers that assisted, to our partner law enforcement agencies including the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn Police Department, NY State Police, and NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, Cayuga County 911, Highland Search and Rescue, the Cayuga County Information Technology Department, the Auburn School District, community volunteers and all area residents that provided tips and information, and to our media partners for sharing details and requests relative to this investigation.”
UPDATE (Aug. 16th, 8:14 PM): The missing Owasco teen has been found.
According to Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck, 13-year-old Joseph Czyz he has been reunited with his family. It appears that he did leave home and did intentionally avoid discovery until located.
The sheriff would like to thank all volunteers, agencies, law enforcement, fire, EMS personnel, search teams, and community members that aided in this investigation.
Owasco and Auburn residents can help in the search for Joseph Czyz. He’s the 13-year-old who left his Adams Avenue home Monday night at around 1030 and hasn’t returned.
The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office is asking those in the Adams Ave area to check any home cameras for individuals walking between the hours of 8:00 and 10:30p that night. Detectives would also like to speak with those who may have spoken to or communicated with Joseph before his disappearance.
Please call 911 with any information. You can also submit information online.
Chaz is 5’6″, 120 lbs with hazel eyes and red hair.
