PORT JERVIS, NY – Port Jervis Police Department has issued a Missing Person bulletin and flyer for a second missing Port Jervis woman. They are asking for the public’s help in their search for 28-year-old Heather Callas of Port Jervis.
They are also continuing, with help from New York State Police and other police agencies, to search for 20-year-old Brittany Hendershot of Port Jervis. Neither woman has been seen or heard from by their families since mid-June.
Heather was last heard from on June 20, 2022, according to her grandfather William Callas. Heather was reported to have been picked up by a taxi that day, and transported from Big Pond Road, Huguenot, to the vicinity of Family Dollar/Pennsylvania Avenue in Port Jervis. After that, her whereabouts have been unknown to family, friends, and social media outlets.
Callas said his granddaughter had been known to leave for a week or two in past times, but has never remained out of touch for this long. He said there has not been a word from her in more than six-weeks.
Heather turned 28 on February 4 of this year. She was last seen on June 20 and was reported missing to PJPD on August 1. A flyer issued by police today, August 4, describes Heather as approximately 5’3, 120 lbs., with shoulder length brown hair, brown eyes, and a “Brandon” tattoo on the middle of one shoulder.
According to her grandfather, Heather has struggled through tough times, but is very smart.
“She was tested as borderline genius. She’s a great person when she is able to stay away from drugs,” said William.
Heather, the daughter of Melissa and Theodore Hadden, is the mother of five children. The oldest three (ages 11, 9, and 7) have been in the care of William and his wife Stephanie for most of their lives. Stephanie passed away in June of this year. The three oldest children remain in William’s care.
“My stomach is all twisting from all of this. It’s a lot. But these children are grandpa’s pride and joy,” William said. “We all had Covid when we were asked to take the youngest children. We just couldn’t do it. They are in foster care with a very nice couple who is doing a great job with them.” They are one and three years old.
Callas said tips have been messaged to him and his family, but have not yet yielded anything valid. Heather’s large extended family and friends have been searching, and are very appreciative for the help of so many in the community and the police department.
“The police have gone to check on all of the tips, and they’re here every day keeping us updated. I can’t say enough about the help we are getting. We appreciate it so much,” Callas said. “We just want to find her, and hopefully she is okay.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Port Jervis Police Department at 845-856-5101.
The search also continues for Brittany Hendershot, a 20-year-old who gave birth in May and left her Port Jervis home on June 12. Hendershot has not been seen or heard from since July 7. Port Jervis Police are also asking anyone with any information about Brittany Hendershot to call them.
