- 2-year-old Dane Paulsen vanished from Siletz yard Saturday afternoon
- Thermal drones and river search teams deployed through Sunday
- 1990s gold station wagon identified as vehicle of interest
- 800+ personnel involved in Oregon's largest active search operation
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has mobilized unprecedented resources in the hunt for missing toddler Dane Paulsen. The child's disappearance marks Oregon's third major missing persons case along coastal river systems this decade, highlighting unique geographical challenges in wilderness search operations.
Search teams are employing cutting-edge technology including FLIR-equipped drones capable of detecting body heat through dense foliage. Our thermal imaging units have scanned 12 square miles of terrain since Saturday night,confirmed Search Coordinator Lt. Maria Gonzalez. The Siletz River's strong currents require specially trained water rescue teams.
Regional search patterns show 94% of missing children in Oregon wilderness areas are located within 2 miles of last seen locations. This statistic informs the current containment strategy focusing on Route 229 and adjacent logging roads. A 2021 Bend, Oregon case saw similar success when thermal drones located a 3-year-old 1.8 miles from home within 18 hours.
Authorities are scrutinizing reports of a gold-colored station wagon spotted near the Paulsen residence. While Sheriff Shanks emphasizes no direct evidence links the vehicle to the disappearance, digital billboards across three counties now display the amber alert with the car description.
Child safety experts recommend three crucial prevention measures:
- Install perimeter-alert systems in rural properties
- Use GPS-enabled wearables for toddlers
- Conduct quarterly neighborhood watch drills
As nightfall approaches on Day 2, volunteers from neighboring counties are being processed at the Siletz Community Center. The operation has drawn national attention, with FBI child abduction specialists expected to join the search at dawn.