NYSP Launches Urgent Search for Deposit Man Wanted for Questioning
State Police are asking the public to help locate a 29-year-old man connected to a pending investigation.
A Deposit man wanted for questioning is being sought by New York State Police after an incident reported during the early morning hours of Aug. 4. Police identified the man as 29-year-old Philip Briggs Jr. and are asking anyone who knows where he may be to contact investigators.
The request was issued Aug. 5 by State Police Troop C. Authorities said the incident occurred on County Road 19 in the town of Deposit, but they released few details about what happened.
What police have reported
According to State Police, Briggs is a white man who is approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
Details at a glance
- Name: Philip Briggs Jr.
- Age: 29
- Residence: Deposit, New York
- Height: Approximately 5 feet, 6 inches
- Weight: Approximately 130 pounds
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
- Incident location: County Road 19 in the town of Deposit
- State Police case number: NY2600954271
- Police telephone number: 607-561-7400
The public release states that the incident took place during the early morning hours of Aug. 4. A separate Troop C incident report lists the matter as a reckless-endangerment investigation reported at 3:04 a.m. The report said the investigation remained pending when the document was issued.
Few details released about the investigation
State Police have not provided a detailed account of the County Road 19 incident.
The Aug. 5 release does not say whether anyone was injured, whether a weapon was involved or what investigators believe occurred. It also does not state whether police consider Briggs armed or dangerous.
Authorities have only said that they want to question him in connection with the incident.
That distinction is important. The release does not list any criminal charge against Briggs arising from this investigation. Being sought for questioning does not prove that a person committed a crime, and the public should avoid spreading unsupported claims about the case.
Police may seek to interview someone for many reasons, including to obtain information, clarify events or determine what role—if any—the person had in an incident. Until authorities release additional verified information, readers should not assume facts that State Police have not confirmed.
How residents can help
State Police are asking anyone who has seen Briggs or has reliable information about his location to call the Troop C number at 607-561-7400.
“Anyone who has seen Briggs Jr. or knows his whereabouts is asked to call New York State Police,” the agency said.
Callers should refer to case number NY2600954271 so the information can be directed to the correct investigation.
What to include when submitting a tip
People contacting police should be prepared to provide clear and specific information, such as:
- Where and when they believe they saw the person.
- The direction the person was traveling.
- A description of any vehicle involved.
- Whether anyone else was present.
- Photographs, video or other information obtained legally and safely.
Residents should report what they directly observed rather than repeat rumors circulating online. Accurate information can help investigators, while incorrect claims may distract from legitimate leads or unfairly identify another person.
Because State Police are requesting information rather than civilian intervention, residents should contact authorities instead of attempting to confront or detain anyone.
Why accurate public information matters
Public-assistance alerts can quickly reach people who may have information that investigators do not. A person may recognize a name, vehicle or location and provide the detail that helps police move an investigation forward.
However, sharing these alerts also carries a responsibility.
Social media users should copy the description, telephone number and case number from the official State Police release. They should avoid adding allegations that have not been confirmed. Even a well-meaning post can spread misinformation when it changes “wanted for questioning” into “wanted for a crime.”
In this case, the confirmed information remains limited:
- Police want to locate Briggs for questioning.
- The investigation involves an early-morning incident on County Road 19.
- The corresponding State Police report categorizes the case as reckless endangerment.
- The investigation was listed as pending.
- No charge connected to this incident was announced in the Aug. 5 release.
Investigation remains active
The search for the Deposit man wanted for questioning remained active based on State Police information available when this report was prepared.
Anyone with direct knowledge of Philip Briggs Jr.’s location should contact New York State Police at 607-561-7400 and provide case number NY2600954271. Residents should rely on official police updates and avoid treating an investigative request as evidence of guilt.
The Utica Phoenix will update this report if State Police announce that Briggs has been located or release additional verified information about the County Road 19 investigation.
Sources
New York State Police public-assistance announcement, Aug. 5, 2026.
New York State Police Troop C public information report.
