Search Intensifies for Missing Toddler in Siletz, Oregon

SILETZ, Ore. (AP) — Authorities in Oregon are actively searching for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who was reported missing Saturday afternoon while playing in his yard. Dane was last seen around 4:25 p.m. near milepost 21 on Siletz River Highway, also known as Oregon Route 229.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Dane was wearing a grey fuzzy hoodie with ears, black pants, and blue and white shoes at the time of his disappearance. He has brown hair and green eyes.

Immediately upon receiving the report of Dane’s disappearance, the sheriff’s office coordinated a search involving multiple agencies, including the Siletz Valley Fire, Oregon State Police, and local police departments. Search and rescue teams initiated ground searches, and utilized drones equipped with thermal imaging technology to cover a wide area surrounding the property.

On Sunday, the search efforts continued with volunteers urged to avoid the primary area of operation, which stretches from the steel bridge to Huhtala Road. Approximately 100 to 150 community volunteers joined law enforcement personnel in scouring the vicinity.

In a statement, Sheriff Adam Shanks highlighted a late 1990s gold station wagon as a vehicle of interest seen in the area prior to Dane’s disappearance. However, he emphasized that investigators have found no evidence connecting the vehicle to the case.

“The only information our investigators have is a vehicle of interest associated with the area before the child’s disappearance,” Sheriff Shanks said, adding, “At this time, there is no verified link between that vehicle and Dane’s disappearance.”

As the search effort ramped up, the sheriff’s office called upon anyone with information about the case or the vehicle to contact their Tip Line at 541-265-0669 or the non-emergency dispatch at 541-265-0777.

The community remains hopeful for the safe return of Dane as search teams continue their dedicated efforts. The incident has drawn attention and support from neighboring counties, with teams from Lincoln, Benton, and Lane counties participating in the search.