37°
RYE, N.Y. - Pierce Crowley, the missing Rye teenager, was found safe and returned to his family on Thursday nearly six days after he was reported missing in White Plains.
White Plains Public Safety Commissioner David Chong said Pierce was found at approximately 12:30 a.m. in Washington Heights by two NYPD officers checking out a group of kids.
"This is a great example of tenacious Detective work by the White Plains Police Department. It was really like trying to find a needle in a haystack," Chong said. "We are all relieved that Pierce is back with his family."
Dan Schorr, an associate managing director at Kroll, an investigation firm hired by the family, said the investigation was led by the White Plains Police.
"The family is extremely relieved that somebody they love so much is back home and safe," Schorr said. "The White Plains police did an outstanding job."
In the days following Pierce's disappearance family and friends launched a massive search and awareness campaign utilizing social media sites. A Facebook page entitled "Find Pierce Crowley" was created on Sunday and had already accrued almost 7,000 likes.
On Twitter celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Keith Olbermann tweeted Pierce's missing person flyer. Crowley's uncle Penry Price tweeted out a thank you Thursday morning to all who helped raise awareness for Pierce's story.
"Thanks to all from the bottom of our hearts. He's safe and home," Price said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Port Chester and receive free news updates.
