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Search Continues For Missing South Side Man

SOUTH SIDE (KDKA) -- The Kochu family isn't giving up hope. They were out searching and hanging flyers around the South Side on Friday, in hopes that some sign of Paul Kochu would turn up.

"I'm so sad looking at the flyer. It's really hard to go around and talk about and put it up because it's really hard to take a moment and not face it," Paul's sister Jessica Kochu said.

KDKA's Lynne Hayes-Freeland Reports:

Paul Kochu, 22, hasn't been seen or heard from since 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. He was out with his roommates at Smokin' Joe's Saloon on the South Side Monday night. His roommates say he left a little early that night. A few minutes later, they say Paul called them because he dropped a glass on the floor, cut his hand and needed help.

"He had a little cut on his hand, a laceration, a little one here, nothing major," roommate Alex Hess said.

They went out to get food after he appeared okay, came back and say he was gone. Hess says they couldn't find Paul's keys, wallet or phone.

Paul's family is organizing a search party, asking anyone who wants to help look for Kochu to meet at the intersection of Wharton and 22nd Street on the South Side at 10 a.m. Saturday. Their goal is to search a 20-block area.

"I'm hoping some people will come from the Philadelphia area where we are from and all friends from Duquesne and Allegheny General Hospital where he works, and anyone who sees this and wants to help," Jessica Kochu said.

The Kochu family covered about a five to six block area of the South Side on Friday. His father and sister combing the streets, looking for clues to Paul's whereabouts.

"Maybe there's something out here. Maybe Paul's going to come around the corner. I hope that he comes around the corner," said Jack. "It gets a little more difficult as every minute goes by, but I can't think of anything else."

About 100 fliers have been posted already, and Pittsburgh Police searched the river earlier on Friday.

KDKA's Amy Wadas Reports:

But still, there's no sign of the Duquesne University nursing grad who everyone says loves his job in the ICU at Allegheny General Hospital.

"We had a lady – when we were looking for Paul along the banks of the river – saw us walking and came out of her house. She asked for a flier and asked if we were hungry," said Jack.

The Kochu family says they are touched by the kindness of Pittsburghers, who are willing to help in the search for the 22-year-old.

The family is offering a $5,000 reward for his safe return.

If you have any information, you're being asked to call 911 or the Pittsburgh Police Missing Person's Office at 412-323-7141.

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