Washington County Sheriff's Office asks for public's help in finding runaway teen | News, Sports, Jobs

Marietta teenager Riley Brandjes was reported as a runaway on June 15. The Washington County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information on Brandjes' whereabouts to call WCSO at 740-376-7770 ext. 0. (Photo provided)

MARIETTA — A Marietta teenager is missing after running away last week and the Washington County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help. According to a news release from the Sheriff's Office, Riley Brandjes, 15, Wilson Ave., Marietta, ran away last week from his Marietta residence.
“We took the report on June 15” Chief Deputy Mark Warden spoke about the time the child was reported as a runaway.
“Right now it looks like he snuck out of the house early in the morning,” said the director. The release states that Brandjes is a white male, 5″9 tall, 190 pounds, with brown eyes and hair. The release also states that he wears black-framed glasses. According to the release, Brandjes was last seen wearing a dark-colored hoodie with light-colored stitching and was carrying with him an army green backpack and a blue duffel bag with blue lining that says “Riley” above. The statement said that in the duffel bag he took clothes and knives and did not take his cell phone. Warden said WCSO has checked several locations for Brandjes and hasn't found anything yet. He also said they checked a residence where Brandjes had stayed for a short time, but he had already left when they arrived. He said they searched the house and found nothing. According to Warden, WCSO does not believe Brandjes is in danger at this time. Warden said Brandjes was listed with the National Crime Information Center as missing and the sheriff's office forwarded his information and photo to law enforcement in surrounding counties. He said a person who wants to hide from the sheriff's office can do so for a long time, but “Eventually we will find you.”
Warden pointed out that it is potentially a crime for someone to let Brandjes stay with them if he is not their legal guardian.
“Please contact the sheriff’s office if you know where it is located,” Warden spoke about the help needed from the public. The release said anyone with information about Brandjes can call the sheriff's office at 749-376-7770 ext. 0.
Michelle Dillon can be reached at [email protected]