Authorities are actively searching for two-year-old Dane Paulsen, who went missing from his home north of Siletz, Oregon, on March 1. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the missing child at approximately 4:25 p.m., prompting an extensive search involving multiple agencies and community members.
- Missing toddler Dane Paulsen, age two.
- Last seen playing in front yard.
- Extensive search covers 382 acres, 283 miles.
- No evidence of criminal activity reported.
- Community members can join search efforts.
- Tip line established for information on disappearance.
Dane Paulsen was last seen in his front yard along Highway 229 wearing a fuzzy gray hoodie and black pants. He is described as having brown hair shaved on the sides with longer hair on top, green eyes, weighing about 45 pounds, and standing around 2½ feet tall. Officials noted that he is friendly and fearless but cannot swim; he has shown attraction to vehicles and bodies of water.
The search effort commenced rapidly after authorities were alerted to his disappearance. Initial reports indicated an unidentified vehicle and adult male near a bridge close to Dane’s home shortly before he went missing. However, this individual has been cleared as a suspect following tips from the community that led investigators to locate them.
- 88 certified search and rescue members
- 40 investigators
- 138 community volunteers
- 6 human-trailing K9 units
- 4 watercraft and divers
- 4 drones
The search has covered significant ground within the first day, including over 382 acres and 283 miles. Marine teams are focusing their efforts on nearby rivers while the Lincoln County Major Crime Team collaborates with the FBI to pursue investigative leads. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting criminal involvement in Dane’s disappearance; therefore, it does not meet Amber Alert criteria.
The community continues to rally together in support of Dane’s family as they await further developments in the case. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to Dane’s disappearance to contact their tip line at 541-265-0669.
