ALBANY, N.Y. -- William Szostak spent Wednesday morning helping coordinate the search for his missing son, Joshua Szostak, 21, who's been missing since early Sunday morning when he left the Bayou Café. Hundreds of people, including family, friends and law enforcement, came out to help look for him.
"He was a decent kid. He didn't do drugs. He didn't smoke. He liked his beers since he turned 21. He's a college kid. We've all been in college, and we've all been through that phase," said William Szostak.
Police said Joshua Szostak had been drinking with friends the night he disappeared. They are investigating a possible connection between Szostak and a stolen EnCon vehicle that they found several miles away in the Port of Albany. But Szostak's father said he believes someone else stole the car and possibly harmed his son.
He said, "People maybe took my son or found his cell phone or were involved, but please don't think my son was that kind of person. Until that evidence comes out, I'm telling you, he was a decent kid. Most of you know him. He would never do that."
Volunteers came out Wednesday to help in the search for a missing man. Joshua Szostak, 21, hasn't been seen since early Sunday morning in downtown Albany. Our Jessica Mokhiber has more on this story.
Authorities said they're combing a six to seven square mile radius, from the Bayou Café on North Pearl to the Port of Albany at the Bethlehem-Albany line. They're looking there also because Szostak's cell phone was found in the EnCon parking lot inside the Port.
Albany Police Detective James Miller said, "It's a piece of evidence that has to be utilized and that's why the search is in this area."
William Szostak said, "I can't tell you how much I appreciate the turnout that we have here. My son appreciates it also. I love you all for doing this. Thank you."
Joshua Szostak was wearing a black hoodie with a distinct skull and crossbones symbol on it. He was also wearing a blue Timex watch and a Gaelic cross around his neck. If you have any information about Szostak's whereabouts, you are asked to call police.