ROCHESTER, MA — August 5, 2026 — The Rochester Police Department is pleased to announce the successful outcome of a large-scale, multi-agency search operation that resulted in the safe recovery of a missing individual in Nasketucket State Reservation in Mattapoisett.
The investigation began yesterday when the Rochester Police Department received a missing person report involving Thomas Janicki. From the outset, Rochester detectives and patrol officers immediately launched an extensive investigation to locate Mr. Janicki and determine his last known whereabouts.
Detective Paul Douglas, Officer Cailin White, and Officer Scott Robbins quickly employed a combination of modern investigative technology and traditional police work to advance the investigation. Using License Plate Reader (LPR) technology and other investigative techniques, officers were able to locate Mr. Janicki’s vehicle and develop critical leads. Their efforts significantly narrowed the search area and provided key information that ultimately contributed to the successful outcome.
As the investigation progressed and evidence indicated Mr. Janicki was likely in the Nasketucket State Reservation, a coordinated multi-agency search operation was initiated. What began as a nighttime search quickly expanded into a large-scale effort across dense woods and challenging terrain.
Search teams worked tirelessly under difficult conditions, utilizing the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing, K-9 teams, drones, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), specialized search equipment, ground search personnel, and other advanced resources to systematically search the area.
At approximately 10:17 a.m. today, members of the SEMLEC K-9 Unit and their canine partners located Mr. Janicki. He was evaluated at the scene and transported by Mattapoisett Police EMS paramedics to St. Luke’s Hospital for further evaluation.
The Rochester Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to all of the agencies and personnel whose professionalism, teamwork, and dedication made this successful outcome possible. This operation exemplifies the strength of regional cooperation and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement and public safety agencies to protecting our communities.
