Authorities in Oregon say a mother woke up from a nap over the weekend to find her 5-year-old son had disappeared.
Joshua James McCoy, who has autism, was last seen at his home on Stage Road in Hauser on Saturday, Nov. 9, according to a missing persons bulletin released by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
The sheriff’s office said the child’s mother took a nap around 1:00 p.m. local time and awoke around 5:30 p.m. to find Joshua missing.
Authorities revealed “some clues were found” early in the search for Joshua but noted “nothing definitive” was located.
“Nothing is being ruled out at this time as we are considering all possible avenues,” the CCSO said in a statement on Monday, Nov. 11. “We maintain hope that Joshua will be found alive and well.”
Joshua is said to be about 3 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs between 50 and 60 lbs., according to the missing persons bulletin. He has brown, shoulder-length hair and brown eyes.
The child is said to respond to either “Josh” or “Joshie,” although he “may not respond when called to.”
CORSAR, a search and rescue effort between seven counties in Oregon and California, is assisting with the search for Joshua, providing 61 ground personnel as well as aerial support and K-9 resources, according to the department.
The sheriff’s office “has also requested assistance from State and Federal agencies” and expects additional resources will arrive on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
“Almost always the person is found within 300 meters of the last known location, and we’ve already expanded well beyond the 300-meter point,” said Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio, per CBS affiliate KPIC.
Authorities are asking civilians not to attempt to search for Joshua in the area on their own at this time.
“The concern is that evidence would be missed or tainted with an overwhelming number of personnel on scene,” the Coos County Sheriff’s Office explained in their statement.
