Fruitland Police Continue Search For 5-Year Old Boy

FRUITLAND, ID — With concerned community members listening, Fruitland Police Chief J.D. Huff spoke with media regarding the disappearance of 5-year-old Michael Joseph Vaughan. The boy has been missing since the early evening hours of Tuesday, July 27.

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Present with Huff were members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Idaho State Police, Payette County Sheriff's Office and Idaho Search and Rescue. Vehicles and staff from law enforcement agencies from both Idaho and Oregon were seen in the parking lots surrounding Fruitland City Hall.

"We are continuing the search for Michael, also known as Monkey," said Huff.

Huff provided details of the search including two drainage ditches drained, use of canine search animals and drone patrols. Idaho Fish and Game patrols are also actively searching the Snake River near Fruitland.

"We continue to seek the public's assistance in recreating a complete picture of the day Michael went missing," Huff said. "We are following all leads."

Huff again asked people to search their property and view possible video footage of their homes and outbuildings.

Huff also stated the family had been "100 percent cooperative" in every facet of the investigation.

"We are using every resource we have to find Michael," said Huff.

Huff also thanked the public for all the previous search attempts, but stated no further mass searches by the public are planned.

When questioned about possible leads in the case, Huff commented "everything is on the table."

Michael's mother also spoke briefly during the conference.

"If you know anything please contact police," she said. "We just want him home."

Michael is described as 3 feet, 6 inches (1 meter) tall and around 50 pounds (23 kilograms) with blond hair and blue eyes. The Fruitland Police Department said he responds to the nickname, “Monkey.” He was last seen wearing a light blue Minecraft T-shirt, dark blue boxer briefs and flip flops.

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