(TheConservativeTimes.org) – Concerned Americans have rallied together to increase the scope of a pressing search effort to locate a missing toddler as soon as possible.
Two-year-old Dane Paulsen vanished this past weekend while playing in the front yard of his family’s home in Siletz, Oregon.
See a photo of Dane at the bottom of this report.
Siletz is a small rural town of fewer than 1,300 residents located about 90 miles from Eugene and 80 miles west of Salem.
The toddler was briefly out of his parents’ sight when he disappeared without a trace, setting off what has become a massive community-driven search effort.
Despite the urgent nature of a missing toddler case, authorities have determined that Dane’s disappearance “does not meet the criteria to use the Amber Alert system.”
This decision has left many wondering why the sheriff’s office is not using every available resource to find the child, especially as crucial hours pass.
The boy is described as friendly, fearless, and comfortable around strangers and water, though he cannot swim, a particularly concerning detail since the Siletz River runs through the area.
When last seen, Dane was wearing a gray hoodie with ears, black pants, and blue-and-white shoes.
As of now, federal authorities like the FBI have joined the Lincoln County Major Crime Team in the investigation.
Nearly 300 people have participated in the search, including volunteers from as far away as Castle Rock, Washington, and Boise, Idaho.
“This is every family’s tragedy. This is horrible. Yeah. So I came out here because, we’ve it’s a mom calls for help. I want to come. So. Yeah. So that’s why I’m here,” said volunteer Tammy Hads.
Search efforts have been extensive, with authorities reporting they have covered 682 acres and 311 miles without finding Dane.
The operation includes 88 search-and-rescue members, 40 investigators, 4 drones, human trailing dogs, and 140 volunteers.
Marine teams, including 13 divers, are searching the Siletz River, highlighting the dangerous terrain surrounding the area where this child disappeared.
Initial reports of a suspicious adult male and a 1990s gold station wagon seen in the area are “no longer a point of interest,” according to police.
Additionally, authorities have stated that “there is no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions are involved in this incident.”
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department has expressed gratitude for the community’s response:.
“We thank our community for sharing information and tips related to this investigation. Our team and the community are working tirelessly to bring Dane home,” it said.
Community members who want to join the search can check in at Elks Toketee Illahee campground or call with information.
The search for missing 2-year-old Dane Paulsen continues today in Siletz, Oregon. The owner of the suspicious vehicle that drove by his home around the time he went missing has been located and questioned. Law enforcement says he is not considered a suspect at this time.
It was… pic.twitter.com/TvSCXnjjKZ
— Rose (@901Lulu) March 3, 2025
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