A massive search effort is underway for a two-year-old boy who vanished Saturday afternoon in Siletz, Oregon. Authorities are scouring a wide area near milepost 21 on Siletz River Highway, or Route 229, where the child was last seen playing in his yard.
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Dane Paulsen disappeared around 4:25 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. Investigators are focusing on a vehicle of interest. They described it as an older gold-colored station wagon. It was seen in the area before the boy went missing.
While the vehicle has been linked to the case, authorities have not confirmed any connection between it and the disappearance.
"We have no confirmed link between the vehicle and Dane's disappearance at this time," said Lincoln County Sheriff Adam Shanks in an interview with KATU. "But we are following all leads as part of the ongoing investigation."
By Sunday, between 100 and 150 community volunteers joined the search effort. The volunteers, from nearby Lincoln, Benton, and Lane counties, were joined by authorities as they combed through the area. Sheriff Shanks confirmed that additional resources, including drones, tracking dogs, and human behavior tracking teams, are being used to cover the ground.
The search effort also utilized watercraft along the Siletz River. Deputies from both Lincoln and Clackamas counties are assisting in that area.
As of Sunday morning, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office issued an update asking volunteers to stay out of the primary search zone, which stretches from the Steel Bridge to Huhtala Road. Volunteers have been directed to assemble at the Elks Campground, where they will be given instructions on where to assist.
FBI Supports in Search for Boy
The investigation has drawn the attention of multiple law enforcement agencies. In addition to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, responders include Siletz Valley Fire, Oregon State Police, Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, and Lincoln County Search and Rescue. The FBI is also providing support.
At the time of his disappearance, Dane was wearing a gray fuzzy hoodie with ears, black pants, and blue-and-white shoes. He has brown hair and green eyes.
Despite the intense search, authorities have not yet issued an Amber Alert. Sheriff Shanks clarified that there was not enough information to warrant the alert. "We have no license plate or further details on the vehicle of interest," he explained.
Authorities are continuing to follow up on tips and have asked anyone with information about Dane's disappearance or the vehicle of interest to call the tip line at 541-265-0669 or the non-emergency dispatch at 541-265-0777.
As the search continues, officials remain hopeful the community's efforts will lead to the safe return of Dane Paulsen.
