New Tipline Opened For Missing Fruitland Boy

FRUITLAND, ID — The Fruitland Police Department released a statement, via Facebook, on Tuesday, updating information on the search for Michael Joseph Vaughan.

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"The search for Michael Joseph Vaughan continues.

5-year-old Michael was last seen 14 days ago, July 27 at approx.. 6:30 p.m. in his neighborhood on Southwest 9th Street in Fruitland, Idaho.

Today and this week, the ground search continues with emphasis on aerial and marine searches. In the effort to cover all possibilities, waterways are still being searched. There are many miles of waterways in the Fruitland area and searching them is a momentous task. Residents may see search crews along the banks of canals and rivers this week and at any given time as we work to leave no stone unturned in our search for Michael. You may also see drones or other specialized equipment assisting in the search.

Tips continue to come in. Thank you.

Be assured every tip is getting the attention of an investigator. Idaho State Police and FBI resources remain on the case assisting members of the Fruitland Police Department.
Please note the new email Tipline: findmichael@fruitland.org.

There may be someone who knows something who has been unsure, perhaps even afraid to reach out. We want to listen. For those who would like their tips to remain anonymous, tips can be sent through Crime Stoppers of Southwest Idaho http://www.crimestoppersswidaho.org/.

Press briefings will be called when appropriate to aid in the investigation. At this time, no additional press briefing is scheduled. Updates will continue to be posted here on the Fruitland Police Facebook page. We appreciate the patience of the local media and our community as we try to balance our efforts with pursuing the search for Michael and keeping the community informed.

Michael, by all accounts, was an active, inquisitive, child. While we have not eliminated any possibility, it is possible he may have wandered somewhere and he needs our help to find him. We continue to ask local residents and businesses to remaining vigilant and observant.

Michael’s family remains in our prayers and they remain fully cooperative with law enforcement. Please be respectful of their privacy during this difficult time.

Michael was last seen wearing a light blue Minecraft t-shirt, dark blue boxer briefs and child’s size 11, blue flip flops. He stands 43 inches tall, is 50 lbs., with blonde hair and blue eyes. He answers to the nickname “Monkey.” If you see Michael or have information, please use the Tiplines above, or call the Payette County Sheriff’s Office at 208-642-6006 Ext 0.
For the downloadable informational flyer, please go to www.fruitland.org and click on the “Find Michael Vaughan” tab.

All of us at the Fruitland Police Department, with our colleagues and neighbors, remain committed to finding Michael.

Thank you."

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