State Police Seek Help Finding Missing Oneonta Man
Daniel E. Conklin has not been seen since July 14 near State Highway 205 in Laurens.
New York State Police are asking the public to help locate missing Oneonta man Daniel E. Conklin, who was last seen walking along State Highway 205 in the town of Laurens on July 14, 2026.
Troopers announced the search Wednesday, July 29, after checking hospitals, hotels and locations around the Oneonta area without finding him. Police are urging anyone who may have seen Conklin or knows where he is to contact investigators immediately.
Where Daniel Conklin Was Last Seen
According to State Police, Conklin was observed walking along State Highway 205 near the Mirabito convenience store in Laurens.
Laurens is located southwest of Oneonta in Otsego County. The police release did not identify the direction in which Conklin was walking or provide a specific time when he was seen.
Authorities also did not disclose why Conklin was in the area or where he may have been traveling.
The July 14 sighting was more than two weeks before State Police issued their public appeal on July 29.
Description of the Missing Oneonta Man
State Police provided the following description of Conklin:
- White male
- Approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall
- Approximately 212 pounds
- Reddish hair
- Reddish beard
- Blue eyes
- Tattoos on his arms
Conklin was reportedly wearing:
- A black, long-sleeve Calvin Klein shirt with a logo across the chest
- Blue jeans
- A tan trucker-style hat with writing on it
- Black Puma sneakers
- Gray socks
He was also carrying a black-and-white animal-print Nike backpack, according to police.
The State Police release did not provide Conklin’s age.
Troopers Search Hospitals, Hotels and Oneonta Area
Investigators said they have contacted Conklin’s family members and friends while attempting to determine where he may have gone.
Troopers have also checked local hospitals and hotels and investigated reported sightings. None of those efforts had led officers to Conklin as of the July 29 announcement.
Police also searched an Oneonta area commonly known as “Tent City.” The release did not provide further details about when the location was searched or what investigators found there.
“New York State Police at Oneonta are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing man,” the agency said in its announcement.
What Should Someone Do If They See Conklin?
Anyone who believes they have seen Conklin should avoid relying only on social media to report the sighting.
Instead, contact New York State Police directly and provide as much useful information as possible, including:
- The exact location of the sighting
- The date and approximate time
- The direction the person was traveling
- A description of clothing or items being carried
- Whether the person was alone or with someone
- Any vehicle description or license plate information
People should not place themselves in danger while attempting to gather information. A safe, timely call to police may be more helpful than trying to approach or follow someone.
How to Contact New York State Police
Anyone with information about Daniel E. Conklin’s whereabouts is asked to call New York State Police at:
607-561-7400
Callers should reference:
Case NY2600880386
The case is being handled through New York State Police Troop C, which serves the Southern Tier and portions of Central New York. Trooper Aga Tinker was listed as the public information officer for the announcement.
Public Information Can Make a Difference
Missing-person investigations often depend on small pieces of information from the public. A person may have noticed someone walking along a road, entering a business, asking for assistance or carrying a recognizable backpack without realizing the information was important.
Details that appeared ordinary at the time could help investigators establish a timeline.
Residents and drivers who traveled on State Highway 205 near Laurens on July 14 are encouraged to think back to what they may have observed. Business owners and property owners in the area may also want to review any available security-camera footage from that date before recordings are automatically erased.
Only investigators can determine whether a reported sighting is connected to the case. Members of the public should avoid posting unconfirmed claims, private personal information or accusations about individuals online.
Police Continue Seeking Answers
As of the July 29 State Police announcement, Daniel Conklin remained missing despite searches, interviews and follow-up investigations.
The official release did not state that foul play was suspected. It also did not provide information about Conklin’s medical condition, access to transportation or possible destinations. Those details should not be assumed or speculated about without confirmation from investigators.
The most helpful response is to share the verified description and contact information while directing possible tips to police.
Anyone with information — even information that may seem minor — should call 607-561-7400 and reference case NY2600880386.
Source
New York State Police, “Troopers in Oneonta seek public’s assistance in locating missing man,” published July 29, 2026.
