Missing West Pittston man found alive after two-day search

A West Pittston man reported missing two days ago has been found alive after an extensive search that included local and state police manpower.

Wyoming Area Regional Police Chief Mike Turner confirmed that Paul Kasson, who was reported missing after leaving his Spring Street home around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, was found along the Pittston side of the banks of the Susquehanna River on Wednesday evening.

“This was the ending we were all hoping for,” Turner said. “I’m happy with this ending, and his family is beyond happy.”

Kasson was located around 8 p.m. Wednesday night, according to Turner. He was reported to be suffering from dehydration but otherwise okay, and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

The missing man was found by a couple of West Pittston residents who went out to look for Kasson after hearing that he’d gone missing.

“These people went above and beyond to assist emergency services,” Turner said.

Police were notified of Kasson’s disappearance Tuesday evening, at which point they began a search including rescue boats, drones and a state police helicopter.

On Wednesday morning, Turner said that they received a lead that Kasson had been seen in the area of the riverbank, near the Firefighter’s Memorial Bridge.

The neighbors whofound Kasson reported that they were able to find him when they came across his walker, with Kasson being found a short distance from there.