SILETZ, Ore. – As the search for missing two-year-old Dane Paulsen continues, law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and local volunteers remain dedicated to locating the young boy, who was last seen playing in a yard on March 1.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported that Paulsen was first reported missing at approximately 4:25 p.m. on March 1. Since then, deputies, search and rescue crews, and over 200 community members have been working tirelessly to search hundreds of acres of land in the area where the child was last seen. As of March 5, the search efforts remain ongoing, with no updates on Paulsen’s whereabouts.
A community meeting was held on the evening of March 4, where the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on the ongoing search. Deputies expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from local residents, highlighting the nearly 200 tips they have received from the public. In addition to offering helpful information, community members have been assisting search crews with food, accommodations, and volunteering to search the area themselves. Authorities reminded volunteers to remain mindful of safety precautions, urging them to avoid searching at night and refrain from entering private property without proper permission from landowners.
Despite the extensive efforts, search teams have faced significant challenges. Deputies have utilized a variety of tools, including police dogs, drones, watercraft, and specialized equipment, to search both land and water. However, new information and tips have led authorities to focus their efforts on the Siletz River, where evidence suggests that Paulsen may have been near the water’s edge prior to his disappearance. The rough terrain and thickly forested areas surrounding the river have made the search difficult, but law enforcement remains hopeful that they will be able to bring the young boy home safely.
As the search enters its fifth day, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any potential leads that could assist in the search. With the unwavering support of the community and search teams, authorities are optimistic that they will locate Dane Paulsen and reunite him with his family soon.
