WEST POINT – A U.S. Military Academy cadet, memberof the Class of 2021, is being reported as unaccounted for despite extensive search efforts by military, federal, state, and local agencies.
A M4 rifle is also missing. The cadet is not believed to have any magazines or ammunition.
Authorities said there is no indication the cadet poses a threat to the public, but he may be a danger to himself.
The cadet was last seen on Friday, October 18 at approximately 5:30 p.m. on the grounds of West Point. He was scheduled to participate in the Academy’s military skills competition this past weekend.
West Point is operating under normal conditions with an increased force protection status. Military Police patrols have been increased at sporting events and across the academy as a precautionary measure and to assist in safely locating the missing cadet.
The chain of command discovered the cadet missing when he failed to report for the initial road march for the military skills competition.
Other cadets immediately started to search for their teammate. After initial efforts were unsuccessful in locating the cadet, Military Police began a search of the military installation at approximately 1 a.m. on the morning of October 19 and continued throughout the day.
State Police and Orange County Sheriff’s Office were notified.
“I want to thank the local and state law enforcement agencies and emergency services for their tireless support,” said West Point Superintendent LTG Darryl Williams. “We will continue to search with all means possible, on and off West Point. Safely locating the cadet remains our focus and number one priority.”
Keller Army Community Hospital and local hospital’s emergency rooms were contacted to confirm the cadet has not received medical treatment.
West Point personnel searched through academic and athletic facilities and cadet barracks with negative results.
Military Police continued searching and at approximately 6:30 a.m. on October 20, the Coast Guard was notified and began searching the shoreline finding nothing.
State Police provided their helicopter to conduct an aerial sweep with the Forward-Looking Infrared Radar at 11:25 a.m. Troopers also provided K-9 and drone support.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Point Military Police at 845-938-3333.
