Pierce Crowley, , has been found safe overnight, according to police and Dan Schorr, a private investigator hired by the Crowley family.
"He was found unharmed," said White Plains police lieutenant Eric Fischer. "It was a missing persons case."
Crowley, 15, was found by police in Washington Heights Thursday around 12:30 a.m.
"We're thrilled he's back with the family that loves him so much," Schorr said Thursday morning. Schorr is an associate managing director with Kroll, an investigations firm.
"White Plains Police led the investigation and did a phenomenal job," Schorr added, noting he worked in tandem with officers but was not there when Crowley was located.
"It's absolutely good news," said Peggy Dunne, a family-friend of the Crowleys who, earlier this week, warned concerned readers to beware of illegitimate fundraising efforts.
Dunne also mentioned a YouTube video created by the family that urges Crowley to return home. The four-minute short includes photographs and messages from family members.
"My heart is broken," his father, Peter, writes in the video. "I am physically hurting from missing you so much. I need to have you back in my life."
Patch is awaiting a call back from Peter Crowley and Gretchen Crowley, Pierce's mother.
(Read what residents are saying , and what professionals have to say about the overwhelming volunteer search effort .)
The freshman was seen last with a friend in White Plains Friday. He was enrolled in a program at a White Plains Hospital, and left from the campus. Police said Crowley departed with another boy, took a taxi to the White Plains railroad station, and headed to New York City.
A massive search effort kicked off soon after his disappearance, including a social media blitz that ; Keith Olbermann, Kim Kardashian and others tweeted fans to keep their eyes open.
A Facebook campaign was underway, as well. The page "Find Pierce Crowley" accumulated thousands of likes, and countless comments, in a matter of days.
