A small Oregon town is gripped by fear and uncertainty as 2-year-old Dane Paulsen vanished from his front yard in Siletz, Oregon, on the afternoon of Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Authorities report Dane was last seen playing near his home around 4:25 p.m., enjoying toys and exploring the yard. Known to be fond of water and vehicles, the toddler is reportedly comfortable around strangers — but he cannot swim, raising urgent safety concerns.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Oregon State Police spokesperson Lieutenant Carla Jensen. “We are doing everything in our power to locate Dane safely.”
The search quickly escalated as law enforcement, volunteers, and search-and-rescue teams combed nearby woods, rivers, and streets. Authorities are particularly concerned because of a late 90s gold station wagon seen in the area on surveillance footage just before Dane disappeared. The vehicle is now considered a person of interest in the investigation.
Community members have organized neighborhood watches, posted flyers, and shared Dane’s picture widely on social media in hopes of generating tips. Officials are urging anyone who sees Dane or the gold station wagon to contact local police immediately.
“We are asking the public for help,” said Lieutenant Jensen. “Time is critical in cases involving toddlers. Every lead matters.”
Parents across the region are warning their communities to remain vigilant and keep a close eye on young children, especially outdoors. Social media users have expressed solidarity with the Paulsen family, posting messages of hope and sharing photos to expand the search radius.
Authorities continue to investigate all possible leads, including local traffic, neighborhood surveillance, and eyewitness accounts. The community remains tense as volunteers search homes, yards, and surrounding streets, praying for Dane’s safe return.
“He’s just a little boy playing outside,” a neighbor said. “We need him back home safely.”
The case has reignited discussions about child safety, neighborhood vigilance, and the importance of reporting suspicious vehicles or activity.
As the search continues, police emphasize that any piece of information — no matter how small — could be crucial in locating Dane Paulsen.