Lincoln County Sheriff’s Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a runaway teen. He is 16-year-old Jay Cicero Branch.

Yesterday (September 19), Deputies were dispatched to an address on Johnstown Road in reference to a juvenile who ran away from a foster home. The foster parent said Jay Branch left the residence because he had been grounded and did not want to be disciplined. He was last seen walking toward Cherryville on Johnstown Road.

Branch is described as a white male, 5’4″ tall, weighing approximately 110 pounds. He has short brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, light gray pants, white shoes with round shapes, and purple underwear hanging out of his pants. His destination is unknown.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jay Cicero Branch should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050, Lincoln County Communications at 704-735-8202, or Lincolnton/Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909.