Police continue search for missing Oregon 2-year-old near Siletz in Lincoln County

Authorities in Lincoln County are continuing to search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen who was reported missing from his home Saturday afternoon.

According to a news release, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded at about 4:25 p.m. Saturday to Paulsen’s home near milepost 21 on Highway 229 north of Siletz.

Paulsen was reportedly playing in the front yard of the home and out sight from his parents when he went missing.

“Dane is friendly and fearless, and is comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim. Dane is known to love water and vehicles,” police said in the news release.

As of Sunday night, police said 382 acres have been searched. Assisting in searching efforts include 88 certified search and rescue members, 138 community volunteers, 40 investigators, six human trailing K9s, four drones, four divers and four watercraft.

Police said there is “no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions are involved in this incident.”

A gold colored station wagon driven by an adult male police said the family did not know was seen near a bridge by the home 30 minutes before Paulsen disappeared. Police said the man and vehicle were located through a tip and are no longer a person of interest for the incident.

Police said investigators are following “numerous leads” and have the Sheriff’s Posse, multiple search and rescue teams and community volunteers searching the area. Marine teams and divers are searching the Siletz River, police said. Also assisting in the investigation are the Lincoln County Major Crime Team and the FBI. 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is also being assisted by Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, Siletz Valley Fire, the Lane, Clackamas and Polk county sheriff’s offices, Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit, Mary’s Peak SAR and Region 3 K9.

How to help in search for missing 2-year-old Dane Paulsen in Lincoln County

Police are asking people to report information related to Paulsen’s disappearance to the tip line at 541-265-0669.

Police said those interested in joining search efforts can go to a staging area and check in at Elks Toketee Illahee campground at 20590 Siletz Highway in Siletz.

Jonathan Williams is the news editor of the Statesman Journal. Reach him at JCWilliams1@salem.gannett.com.