Missing Oregon toddler prompts massive community search effort

Article originally published by KGW

SILETZ, Ore. — Authorities and community members are continuing their extensive search for a two-year-old boy who disappeared from his rural home north of Siletz, Oregon on Saturday afternoon.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of missing toddler Dane Paulsen at approximately 4:25 p.m. on March 1. The child was last seen playing in the front yard of his residence located along Highway 229 near milepost 21. He was wearing a fuzzy gray hoodie and black pants, investigators said. Paulsen has brown hair that is shaved on the sides and long on top. He has green eyes, weighs about 45 pounds, and is about 2½ feet tall.

Dane, described as "friendly and fearless," is comfortable around strangers and water but cannot swim, according to officials. The toddler is known to be attracted to bodies of water and vehicles.

Initial reports noted an unknown vehicle and adult male near a bridge close to the residence approximately 30 minutes before the child's disappearance. Through a community tip, authorities located this vehicle and individual, who have since been eliminated as points of interest in the investigation.

"At this time, Dane is still missing," the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said. "Investigators are following up on numerous leads, including various tips provided by our community."

Multiple agencies have joined the search effort, which has covered 382 acres and 283 miles in the initial 24 hours. Resources deployed include:

• 88 certified search and rescue members
• 40 investigators
• 138 community volunteers
• 6 human-trailing K9 units
• 4 watercraft and 4 divers
• 4 drones

Marine teams and divers are searching the nearby river, while the Lincoln County Major Crime Team and FBI are assisting with investigative leads.

Officials stated there is no evidence suggesting criminal actions are involved in the disappearance, which does not currently meet criteria for an Amber Alert. The FBI's Victim Services Division is providing resources to the family.

Community members wishing to join search efforts are directed to check in at the Elks Toketee Illahee campground at 20590 Siletz Highway. Officials have established a tip line at 541-265-0669 for information relevant to Dane's disappearance.

"Once again, we thank our community for their compassion and assistance," the sheriff's office said. "Our team and the community are working tirelessly to bring Dane home."