Update 4:28 p.m. 9/30/26: The New York State Police found Gartner and brought him into custody.
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Have you seen this Fulton man?
Nickolas Gartner. Courtesy of the New York State Police.
Troopers are searching the Liverpool area for 21-year-old Nickolas Gartner, wanted in the town of Volney for rape, luring a child, and other charges, according to a statement from New York State Police. He is also accused of fleeing after refusing to stop for police.
The statement described Gartner as being a 5’7″ man weighing 200 lb. with brown hair and blue eyes. He wore a black shirt and black pants when last seen.
Around 10 a.m., on Sept. 30, troopers tried to stop Gartner on his motorcycle, accompanied by a female passenger. The statement said he did not come to a halt and proceeded to flee to the city of Fulton.
A report of the motorcycle being spotted in Onondaga County later surfaced, leading troopers to find the bike abandoned near Crown Road, in Liverpool. Troopers claim Gartner and the passenger were spotted running away from that same area.
The statement described the passenger as having a small build and dark hair. When last seen, she wore a brown jacket and blue jeans.
Gartner faces charges of:
First-degree rape, a class B felony
Luring a child, a class D felony
Sexual misconduct, a misdemeanor
Two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor
If Gartner is spotted, troopers ask the public to not approach him, as he could be armed. Troopers instead encourage those who see Gartner, or have any information on his whereabouts, to immediately tell 911 his location, description, and travel direction.
An investigation and search are ongoing.
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