HUNTINGTON — A teenager who was reported missing Feb. 16 was found “alive and well” Sunday at the home of a couple in town, authorities said this week.
Police Chief Robert Garriepy, who deferred to the Northwestern district attorney’s office for information, extended thanks to the community and people across the region who helped in the weeklong effort to find Joshua West.
“I greatly appreciate support from all the outside organizations that aided in the search for missing juvenile,” Garriepy said, citing Northampton police, State Police, Westfield police, the Department of Fire Services, the Environmental Police and the Huntington Fire Department.
Some agencies, including the State Police Air Wing, provided drone and aerial assistance, and Garriepy credited Northampton police in particular for help canvassing the area.
West, 17, had last been seen leaving the property of The Retreat at Norwich Lake, a Christian camp. District attorney’s office spokeswoman Laurie Loisel said he had left camp on his own and was offered a place to stay because he was walking in the cold.
Based in part on his social media activity, Loisel said, police went to the residence where he was staying at around 5 p.m. on Sunday. They brought him to the barracks and then returned him to his family, who live out of state.