Police Seek Missing Madison County Teen Last Seen in Fenner
State Police are asking Central New York residents to help locate 16-year-old Lana M. LaClair of Canastota.
New York State Police are asking the public for help finding a missing Madison County teen who was last seen Monday, Aug. 10, after leaving her residence in the town of Fenner.
Police identified the teenager as 16-year-old Lana M. LaClair of Canastota. Investigators said Tuesday that she may frequent Syracuse or Auburn, expanding the area where residents are being asked to remain alert. (New York State Police)
Anyone who has information about LaClair’s location is asked to contact New York State Police at 315-366-6000 and reference case number NY2600990811. (New York State Police)
What Police Say About Lana LaClair
According to the State Police bulletin issued Aug. 11, LaClair was last seen after leaving her residence in Fenner on Aug. 10. Police said investigators do not know whether she left the area on foot or received a ride from someone. (New York State Police)
Police provided the following description:
- Name: Lana M. LaClair
- Age: 16
- Hometown: Canastota, New York
- Height: Approximately 5 feet
- Weight: Approximately 130 pounds
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Blue
- Last seen: Aug. 10, 2026
- Last known location: Town of Fenner
- Areas she may frequent: Syracuse and Auburn
The New York State Police release did not provide additional verified details about what LaClair was wearing when she disappeared or the circumstances that may have led her to leave home. (New York State Police)
Search Could Extend Beyond Madison County
The mention of both Syracuse and Auburn means the search could involve a large section of Central New York.
Fenner is in Madison County, while Syracuse is in Onondaga County and Auburn is in Cayuga County. For residents, that makes awareness outside LaClair’s immediate hometown important.
Police have not said that she has been confirmed in either Syracuse or Auburn. Instead, investigators described those cities as places she is known to frequent. (New York State Police)
That distinction matters. Residents should rely on the official description and report genuine information rather than circulate speculation about where she may be.
What To Do If You Have Information
Anyone who believes they have seen LaClair or knows where she may be should contact investigators directly.
New York State Police: 315-366-6000
Case number: NY2600990811
When reporting possible information about a missing person, useful details may include:
- The exact location and approximate time of the sighting.
- A description of clothing or other identifying details.
- Whether the person appeared to be alone or with someone.
- Information about a vehicle, including its make, model, color or license plate if safely observed.
- The direction the person or vehicle was traveling.
People should not put themselves in danger or attempt to conduct their own investigation.
Why Quick Reporting Matters in Missing-Child Cases
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, or NCMEC, advises families to contact law enforcement immediately when a child is missing. There is no required waiting period before a missing-child report can be made. (NCMEC)
Federal requirements also direct law enforcement agencies to promptly enter qualifying missing-child information into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center system. NCMEC says the federal definition of a missing child includes a person younger than 18 whose location is unknown to a parent or legal guardian, regardless of why the child became missing. (NCMEC)
That means describing a teenager as a “runaway” should not be interpreted as meaning the case is unimportant or that authorities will simply wait for the child to return.
NCMEC provides resources to law enforcement and families in cases involving children who have run away, been abducted, become victims of trafficking or disappeared under other circumstances. (NCMEC)
Public Attention Can Help — But Accuracy Matters
Social media has become an important way for police departments, families and news organizations to distribute missing-person information quickly.
However, public participation is most useful when people share accurate information from recognized authorities rather than rumors, unconfirmed sightings or assumptions.
In LaClair’s case, the confirmed information available as of Tuesday afternoon comes from New York State Police Troop D. The agency’s newsroom lists the case as an active search for a runaway teenager from Madison County. (New York State Police)
The police bulletin does not state that foul play is suspected. It also does not identify anyone accused of assisting LaClair or provide evidence that she is in danger.
Those details should not be assumed.
Resources for Families of Missing Children
NCMEC recommends that parents or guardians of a missing child immediately contact local law enforcement. After making a police report, families can also contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). (NCMEC)
The organization can work with families and investigating agencies and, when appropriate, help distribute missing-child posters, analyze leads and provide other case assistance. (NCMEC)
NCMEC operates a New York regional office and provides its missing-child hotline around the clock. (NCMEC)
For this particular investigation, however, people with information should use the contact information provided directly by New York State Police.
Central New York Residents Asked to Watch for Lana
State Police are continuing their effort to locate missing Madison County teen Lana M. LaClair.
Residents in Canastota, Fenner and surrounding Madison County communities should remain alert, as should people in the Syracuse and Auburn areas identified by investigators.
Anyone who sees LaClair or has information that could help police determine where she is should contact New York State Police at 315-366-6000 and provide case number NY2600990811. (New York State Police)
Sharing the official police information may also help expand the search, but residents should avoid circulating unverified claims that could distract investigators or cause unnecessary concern.
The Utica Phoenix will update this story if New York State Police releases additional verified information.
Sources
- New York State Police, Aug. 11, 2026 — “Troopers search for runaway teen from Madison County.” (New York State Police)
- New York State Police Newsroom. (New York State Police)
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children — Missing-child reporting guidance and resources. (NCMEC)
