Authorities searched on a massive search for the “friendly and fearless” two-year-old Oregon boy after he mysteriously disappeared while playing in the front yard on Saturday afternoon.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, toddler Dane Paulsen disappeared from her home near Highway 229, just north of Schilletz around 4:30pm, with multiple agencies, including the FBI and more than 100 volunteers making a desperate effort to find the boy.
The sheriff's office said he was not in front of his parents while he was in his front yard when he disappeared.
“Dane is friendly and fearless and comfortable around strangers and water, but he cannot swim. Dane is known to love water and vehicles,” the Sheriff's Office said.
The agency said there is no evidence at this time to suggest that foul plays are involved.
However, investigators are tracking several leads as divers search the Siretz River near their home.
Over the past 24 hours, four boats, divers and drones have each contributed to the effort, with six police dogs, 40 investigators and nearly 140 volunteers.
Local resident Randy James and his German shepherd took part in a search on Sunday.
James He spoke to oragonlive.com While the boat was in the river, volunteers were 10-15 feet apart, spreading over the creek beds, brushes, “where the kids went.”
“It's good to help out. James told the outlet on Sunday: “…No one deserves to have a missing family.”
Authorities said the driver in a vehicle near the child's house about 30 minutes before the disappearance was first requested by police, and after the driver was found he “is no longer a point of interest” in the incident.
As of Sunday evening, 382 acres and 283 miles were covered, the sheriff's office reported.
“We appreciate their compassion and support,” the Sheriff's Department said. “Our team and community are tirelessly trying to bring Dane home.”
