Search on for missing boy, Tucker Haines

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Tucker Haines Tucker Haines

The search is on for a 10-year-old Archuleta County boy who was reported missing at about 6 p.m. on May 7 (Saturday) — Tucker Haines.

The following information was released by the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office.

At approximately 6 p.m. on May 7, the family of Tucker Haines reported him missing from his residence in the Aspen Springs area.

He’s described as 4-foot-5, 80 pounds and was last seen wearing an olive green wind breaker, blue jeans and a red Camelbak backpack. Tucker is described as a timid but strong-hearted young man.

Members of the ACSO Emergency Management Division immediately sent a hasty team into the field upon notification. Multiple agencies were involved in the search, consisting of the ACSO, Archuleta County Emergency Management, Pagosa Fire Protection District, Pagosa Springs Police Department, Upper San Juan Search and Rescue, Colorado State Patrol, La Plata County Sheriff’s Department, Durango Flight for life, San Juan Mounted Patrol and numerous volunteers from the community.

Approximately 45 people were sent into the surrounding area in six different teams, where methodical and systematic grid searches were performed. Three different canine units were called in to assist in the search and the Flight for Life helicopter flew over the area for approximately an hour searching with infrared sensors.

Door-to-door searches were conducted, a 2-mile grid surrounding the home was searched (including

outbuildings and forts known in the area), however, rescue teams were not able to locate Haines.

Plans to have an multimission aircraft plane do a flyover at first light has been pre-arranged and more canine search teams have been called in. Deputies and other personnel will be staged on site all night and several units will be patrolling the area all night looking for Haines. Members involved in the search will be reconvening in the morning to discuss further search plans and strategy. Teams from La Plata County, Mineral County and the U.S. Forest Service will be joining the efforts, as well.

The ACSO, as well as Tucker’s family, wish to extend sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted in the search. Countless neighbors, friends and even strangers showed up to help, however, numerous civilians had to be turned away because the canines were actively working in the area or the individual(s) simply weren’t prepared. For those wishing to help in the search, you must first call the Emergency Operations Center at 731-2222 to receive instruction on where and when to meet. Please be sure you have/bring the proper clothing and gear for being out in the elements.

The ACSO is requesting that all media aircraft stay out of the area due to the fact that other aircraft assisting in the search will be in flight. If anyone has any information regarding the disappearance of Tucker Haines, please call dispatch at 731-2160 immediately.