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A months-long search for a missing Catskill man has concluded after he was discovered and arrested on the opposite coast of the United States.
Robert Owen, 26, who was last seen on August 26, 2025, on Landon Avenue in Catskill was taken into custody Friday in Bellingham, Washington, according to the Greene County District Attorney's Office.
Owen had been reported missing last fall, prompting the New York State Police to issue a missing persons bulletin on November 26. At that time, investigators believed Owen had left the Catskill area, leaving behind his vehicle and other personal belongings at a friend's residence.
The arrest stems from a warrant issued after Owen violated the terms of his probation. Greene County Probation Department Director Alan Frisbee confirmed Owen had been serving a three-year probation term since March 1, 2024, following a conviction for criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a class D felony.
"Probation violation proceedings were initiated in October of 2025, due to Owen not having contact with the probation department since late August," Frisbee said.
The weapon charge originated from an April 30, 2020 incident when Owen was found in possession of a switchblade knife. He was initially sentenced to serve 16 months to four years in prison in March 2021, but was later resentenced to probation in June 2022 after being required to participate in a drug treatment program.
Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione said it remains unclear how Owen made it to Washington state. State Police confirmed Owen was found in "good health" when located by Bellingham Police.
Owen is currently being held without bail at the Whatcom County Jail in Washington, listed as a "fugitive" in jail records. The extradition process to return him to New York is now underway, with details expected to be released later this week.