Watch CBS News

Westford Teen Goes Missing On Hike

WESTFORD (CBS) -- The search for a missing Westford teenager was suspended for the evening Thursday and will resume Friday morning.

Police say Joseph Siriani, 18, was last seen at about 1 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Town Farm Road and East Prescott Street, near the Rogers Fire Station and the Norman E. Day School.

Siriani, the son of a town selectman, left a note, saying he was going on a hike and would be back in a few hours.

Westford Police Capt. Victor Neal says Siriani's brother found the note around 2 p.m. The teen did not specify where he would be hiking.

Siriani is about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds.

Police say he hikes with hiking poles.

joseph siriani
Joseph Siriani (Photo credit Westford police)

Police officers from several towns rode ATVS, bicycles and on foot participated in the search on Thursday.

State Police helicopters also were used.

"We're looking for a needle in a haystack, but hopefully he'll turn up safely," said Westford Police Capt. Victor Neal.

The activity quickly caught the attention of residents.

"I didn't know what to think of it, but I knew something was going on," said Austin Santos, adding that he thought maybe there was a way he could help out.

At Siriani's home, his family acknowledged an argument about undone chores earlier this week, but they don't believe that's his motive for going missing and fear the Eagle Scout is lying injured on some trail.

Investigators don't suspect foul play.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.