From Fruitland Police FB Page 8 October
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10-8-21
Update: The Search for Michael Joseph Vaughan.
Michael has been missing now for 72 days. Over the past few weeks, the Fruitland Police Department, the Idaho State Police, and the FBI have continued the search for missing 5-year-old Michael Vaughan. Tips are coming in and they are being followed up on. To date the total number of tips received is 471 through the tip lines and the tips are being assigned to investigators for follow up. We are committed to scrutinizing every detail in this investigation and it is taking time. This remains a very active investigation at all levels and will continue.
As we doggedly comb through the neighborhood surveillance videos for July 27, we continue to discover vehicles and individuals that we cannot identify. We are seeking the public’s assistance with the identification of the driver of a 2016-2020 model year, white, Honda Pilot seen leaving the area on SW8th St. around 6:47pm. We are also seeking assistance with the identification of the driver of a 2010-2011 model year, blue, Dodge Avenger also seen leaving the area on SW8th, but immediately turning right and headed south on South Whitley Drive.
Further, there were two individuals that were seen near the splash pad/ Crestview Park the evening Michael went missing. The first individual was a male adult with dark hair and facial hair, wearing dark colored shorts, no shirt, seen jogging on the sidewalk of SW8th St. near Crestview Park at around 6:15pm. The second is a male adult with dark hair, wearing a white t-shirt and black shorts seen walking off of Sw8th St., down into the park area past the splash pad, towards the lower drainage behind the neighborhoods. It’s very important to understand that these people are not suspects or persons of interest, but it is important to talk to each of them to help us complete the picture of the events that took place that evening.
We are encouraged by the fact that one of these individuals described above could help us bring Michael home safely. We are also encouraged by the fact there are still people out there that did see something, but didn’t feel it was important to report their information at the time.
Recently, a witness brought forth some more vehicle information that could prove to be very helpful with the timeline. If you or anyone you know has any information regarding suspicious activity on or around July 27, in the area of SW8th St., SW9th St., Washington Avenue and Cornwall Way between 6:00pm and 7:00pm we strongly encourage you to contact the Fruitland Police Department at 208-642-6006 Ext 0, or contact us through our tipline at
findmichael@fruitland.org .
We have continued the ground search, although it has been limited to those areas identified by investigators as needing further attention. The family is fully cooperative, have complied with all of our investigative requests, and continue to work with investigators. We appreciate the communities support through the kind words of encouragement and prayers. We all remain hopeful.
We want everyone to know that Michael is our priority and we’ll continue to post updates as new information is available. A recent anonymous donation to our reward fund has increased the fund to $40,000.00. We are hopeful that the reward motivates those with information to come forward and help bring Michael home to his family. This reward is available to anyone having information leading us to the safe return of Michael and is available until November 15, 2021.
We continue to ask that you remain vigilant and please share the poster linked here,
https://www.fruitland.org/.../VAUGHAN_MICHAEL_JOSEPH..., and to keep him in your prayers.
(20+) City of Fruitland Police | Facebook
