NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio (Aug. 16, 2025) — A Cleveland-area teenager who sparked a multi-county search earlier this week has been found alive, according to the North Royalton Police Department.
Officials announced late Saturday night that 17-year-old Connor Piepsny had been located. No additional details about his condition or location of recovery were immediately released, but authorities confirmed he is safe.
Piepsny was last seen leaving his home on Wednesday, Aug. 13, around 6:40 p.m. in a black 2007 Toyota Camry with Ohio license plate KHA 5647. Investigators said he appeared to be alone and was believed to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition. While he had made no direct threats, police emphasized that the behavior was “highly unusual and out of character” for the honors student and boxer.
His vehicle was last observed near State Routes 18 and 94 in Medina County at about 7:05 p.m., and his cellphone later pinged near U.S. 250 and U.S. 36 in Uhrichsville at approximately 8:25 p.m. Authorities also reported a possible signal near the Piedmont Lake area in Harrison and Belmont counties, though it was unclear if he had remained there or was passing through.
Police credited a wide network of local, state, and federal agencies with assisting in the search. Agencies involved included the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service Missing Persons Unit, Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation and Intelligence Units, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Wheeling Police Department, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Texas EquiSearch, Jackson Police Department, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
“We extend our sincerest gratitude to all of the agencies that assisted in bringing this case to a safe conclusion,” North Royalton Police said in a statement.
