Dane Paulsen was last seen playing outside his home on Saturday
Authorities in Oregon are searching for a missing 2-year-old boy who disappeared from his front yard, with hundreds of volunteers joining the search effort, according to law enforcement officials.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Dane Paulsen was reported missing around 4:25 p.m. on Saturday.
Deputies, along with local police and fire department personnel, conducted a search of the property and surrounding area in Siletz, Oregon, on Saturday, CBS News reported.
Siletz is a small town of fewer than 1,300 residents, located approximately 80 miles west of Salem.
Search efforts intensify
On Sunday, search and rescue teams expanded their efforts near the Siletz River, just north of town. Tracking dogs, drones, boats, and divers were deployed to assist in the search. Volunteers were asked to remain outside the main search area during the operation.
Approximately 300 people have participated in the search, with more than 100 volunteers joining the effort on Sunday, according to the sheriff’s office.
Initial reports indicated that an unidentified male driver had been seen near Dane’s home around the time he went missing. However, authorities have since located the individual and determined that he is “no longer a point of interest” in their investigation.
Amber Alert not issued
An Amber Alert for Dane has not been activated. The sheriff’s office explained that his disappearance “does not meet the criteria to use the Amber Alert system,” adding that “there is no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions are involved in this incident.”
The Amber Alert system is typically used in cases of child abduction.
“Dane is friendly and fearless, and is comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim. Dane is known to love water and vehicles,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Search continues with air and water units
The search resumed on Monday with air and water units deployed in an effort to locate the missing child.
Sheriff’s deputies are also pursuing credible tips provided by the public and have urged anyone with information about Dane’s whereabouts to come forward.
So far, 88 search and rescue personnel have been deployed to assist, along with 40 law enforcement investigators, six human tracking dogs, four watercraft and divers, and four drones, according to KGW8.
The FBI is also reportedly assisting in the search.