Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero provided context to the 24-hour search that resulted from the report of a missing person.
Leroy A. Newswanger, 36, and 16-month-old Glenn David Newswanger were located at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia — in good health.
Medical staff from the facility phoned the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and advised that both had come into their emergency room seeking medical assistance.
According to Povero, Leroy did not have his medications with him and asked that he be seen. At that point, doctors became worried that they were not being told a complete story, which resulted in the staff conducting an Internet search.
They came across the poster, which was located on a Rochester-area news site describing the missing person incident.
Both were found to be in good health. Leroy is being evaluated at the facility and his son Glenn is being cared for until arrival of family members from Gorham.
Assistance of the Yates County Sheriff’s Office, Canandaigua Police Department, New York State Police, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, New York State Missing Person Clearinghouse & The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office — located in Virginia — all assisted in the investigation.
Update: Friday, 1:10 p.m.
Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero says the missing father-son duo has been found safe in Virginia. The two went missing on Thursday, and prompted a search that spanned the entire East Coast.
According to officials at an 11 a.m. press conference, there was the possibility that the Leroy Newswanger, 36, had an unresolved issue with the federal government that he was seeking to address. Additional details were not released about the circumstances. Povero said that much was unknown.
They did note that his family, and community in Ontario County were helpful and cooperative throughout their investigation.
Glenn Newswanger, 1, was unharmed according to Povero, but did suffer from a medical condition prior to the disappearance.
More information will be made available in the coming hours, according to Povero. A briefing was scheduled for 2 p.m. Check back for the latest on that this afternoon.
Update: Friday, 11 a.m.
Law enforcement is seeking answers as they investigate a missing person’s report.
A press conference was held on Friday at 11 a.m. by Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero — where officials confirmed that Glenn Newswanger, 1, of Stanley was missing.
He is believed to be with father, 36-year-old Leroy, who has an extensive mental health history, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Leroy was last seen driving a navy blue Chevrolet Silverado. The license plate number reads: 88359 MJ.
Deputies say Leroy is 5’11” and weighs around 180 pounds. He has black hair, a light complexion, and brown eyes.
The duo was seen at Lyons National Bank in Penn Yan around 12:15 p.m. on Thursday — where Leroy is said to have withdrawn $300.
MISSING CHILD ALERT – Glenn Newswanger is 17 months old, last seen with his father, Leroy Newswanger, on 2/1 in the hamlet of Stanley, Ontario Co. Leroy Newswanger was driving a 2005 blue Chevy Silverado pickup w/ NY reg 88359MJ. https://t.co/MrHPKeaduu pic.twitter.com/h52ZUeUxro
— NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (@NYSDCJS) February 2, 2018
Prior to leaving the house, Newswanger was described to have been doing what would be considered ‘normal activity’ at the family farm, according to Povero.
He took an old-style radio, because the radio in his pickup truck does not work. They also believe he took a diaper bag with him.
The young child was dressed in a snow suit.
The Canandaigua Police Department, as well as law enforcement in Yates County are assisting.
Povero says that Newswanger is a member of the Mennonite community, and that information has been disseminated throughout the state.
The license plate information has been uploaded to mobile plate readers — which are used by law enforcement patrols, as well as fixed plate readers, which are used around the state.
Povero added that he may have a concern with the federal government, which he may have wanted to deliver to Washington D.C.
He also said that there is no history of domestic violence.
“We hope that when he sees this message that he finds his way to authorities, where ever he may be,” added Povero, who was optimistic that given Leroy’s background.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
