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Home » Cayuga County » Auburn » Sheriff: Community came together to help locate missing 13-year-old in Owasco-area

Sheriff: Community came together to help locate missing 13-year-old in Owasco-area

Joseph Czyz, the 13-year-old who had been reported missing in the Town of Owasco, was safely located and returned to his family last night. While the reasons behind his disappearance were initially unclear, it was later determined that he had deliberately evaded discovery at another Owasco location.

Sheriff Brian Schenck expressed deep gratitude to various individuals and agencies for their contributions during the search.

“During my career, I’ve repeatedly witnessed our community’s immense capacity to unite and support others in times of need. This incident underscores that spirit of solidarity,” Schenck said in a release. The search mobilized several entities, including the Owasco and Auburn Fire Departments, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn Police Department, NY State Police, and many other organizations and volunteers.



The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to assist in the search for 13-year-old Joseph Wade Czyz.


The teen departed his residence on Adams Avenue in Owasco shortly before 10:30 p.m. last night and hasn’t been spotted since. Czyz is described as standing at 5’06”, weighing about 120 pounds, and having hazel eyes with red hair.

Anyone with details about Joseph Wade Czyz’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact 911 immediately. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously through the Cayuga County website at: https://www.cayugacounty.us/FormCenter/Sheriffs-Office-8/Anonymous-Tips-51.