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Courtesy of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. -
Courtesy of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
As the time exceeds seven hours since a South Putnam County child went missing, sheriff’s office officials said they are not slowing the search and have more resources on standby.
The agency said a boy named Jose, who is a little older than 1, was reported missing by his family around 1:45 p.m. today after he was last seen playing in his backyard.
“I want to be clear at this time, there is absolutely no information … to suggest that there is anything other than a lost child at this point. Of course, we’re investigating all angles,” Col. Joe Wells said in a press conference around 7:30 p.m. “The detectives are interviewing family members and friends, but, at this time, we don’t have any information to suggest any foul play. That’s why there has been no Amber Alert issued.”
The agency brought in deputies who are bilingual because the child understands both Spanish and English, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Allison Waters-Merritt said. As of 8:30 p.m., she said at least 22 deputies were on the scene, which is just south of Crescent City and right before the Volusia County line.
“Definitely the plan right now is searching into the night,” she said. “We’re not deterred by the dark.”
Wells said Jose’s mother had been watching him and his sister play in the backyard. Jose’s mother took his sister inside to clean her up, and when she came back outside, she could not find Jose.
The area near the family’s home is very rural, and the agency has been flying drones as part of the search for Jose, according to Wells. Multiple agencies are on the scene, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
“Marion county is on standby with their new helicopter,” Waters-Merritt said.
Wells said while officials were searching, they found a toy that belongs to Jose.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said on social media they are not asking for public assistance at this time, but will keep releasing updates as new information is presented.
This investigation is ongoing and this article will be updated as the Daily News learns more.
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