No Evidence That White Van Seen Near Where Oregon Toddler Vanished Is Linked to Disappearance, Officials Say

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

“We have received information regarding a white van seen in the area two weeks before Dane’s disappearance,”the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office saidon Monday, March 10. “At this time, we do not have evidence linking this vehicle to the ongoing search and investigation.”

The 2-year-old was last seen outside his home north of Siletz, Ore., on March 1, at around 4:25 p.m. local time, according to the sheriff’s office.

The residence is situated on the banks of the Siletz River,theStatesman Journalreported.

By 9 p.m. on March 2, the sheriff’s office, along with the Oregon State Police, FBI, other regional agencies and nearly 150 community volunteers, had searched 382 acres and covered 283 miles utilizing watercraft, divers, drones and K9s.

Last week, the search area for the boy was focused on the river, authorities said.

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“Based on the information from search efforts and following up on tips, we will now be concentrating on a very focused area,” Lincoln County Sheriff Sgt. Jason Spano said at a news conference on Monday, March 3. “So far, the evidence available indicates that Dane was at the river’s edge before his disappearance.”

Investigators are continuing to utilize highly trained personnel and specialized equipment in the search.

“Dane is friendly and fearless, and is comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim,” the sheriff’s office previously said. “Dane is known to love water and vehicles.”

source: people.com