Police: Missing 14-year-old from Patchogue found safe
Multiple sources tell News 12 that the teenager was found on a boat in a canal outside White Cap Fish Market in Islip.
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After nearly a month of uncertainty, a 14-year-old Patchogue teen was located safe in Islip on Friday, bringing relief to her family and the community.
Emmarae Gervasi had been missing since Dec. 9th, sparking widespread concern and a public search effort that involved both law enforcement and volunteers.
According to Suffolk County Police, Gervasi was found in good health. She was police custody as of Friday.
Multiple sources confirmed to News 12 that Gervasi was found aboard a boat just off Main Street, near the White Cap Fish Market. Police established a command post near a large boat named Phoenix. The area was cordoned off with crime scene tape as investigators combed the site for more clues.
“Everybody was worried, and we were monitoring the news," said Randy Kraft of East Islip, reflecting the collective sense of anxiety and hope that had gripped the community throughout the search. "We’re just glad she was found.”
The search for Gervasi had gained momentum over the past few weeks, particularly after social media posts spread awareness of her disappearance. Friends, family and strangers rallied together, forming search parties and keeping the story in the public eye.
Michael Alcazar, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, commented on the power of social media in aiding such cases. “We rely heavily on the media and social media, Instagram, this gets to everybody, this gets everywhere. It’s eyes on the ground, millions of eyes that can help locate the missing person,” Alcazar explained.
While details about Gervasi’s condition remain scarce, her father, Frank Gervasi, expressed immense relief in a social media post. He claimed in a post that he was the one who initially found his daughter.
At this time, police have not confirmed whether Emmarae Gervasi was being held against her will or who, if anyone, she may have been with during the time she was missing. Authorities have also not announced any arrests related to the case.
