Fruitland PD chief on Michael Vaughan case: Some people have been uncooperative

May 2024 · 2 minute read

Fruitland Police on Friday held a news conference to update the community on missing boy Michael Vaughan, who disappeared nearly one year ago.

"We agonize with the family and we've dedicated our resources to bringing Michael home," said Chief J.D. Huff with Fruitland Police.

Michael was 5-years-old when he went missing on July 27, 2021. Fruitland police say Michael disappeared sometime between 6:40 p.m. and 7 p.m. that day. The driver of a white Honda Pilot seen leaving the area is believed to be a resident, but that information has yet to be confirmed.

Fruitland Police say there have been multiple persons of interest but so far no suspects.

There was also a man seen walking through Crestview Park before the time of Michael's disappearance who has not been identified. This man is not a suspect, but police want to talk with him for additional information.

Fruitland PD released a photo of this individual for the first time on Friday. Detectives also released a new image of a white Honda pilot -- hoping to verify the owner.

Police have spent thousands of hours and cleared thousands of community leads in their search. Fruitland Police said there have been some people who were interviewed or searched that have been non-cooperative.

"We hope that someone can have the courage and strength to bring forth the information that could help us find Michael," says Michael’s mother Brandi Neal. "This is a continuing nightmare that no family should ever have to go through. We want Michael home with us and appreciate the communities support and tips. We know even the smallest piece of information can bring Michael home."

If you have any information on the case, even if you think it's small, you're asked to submit tips to findmichael@fruitland.org, call Fruitland police or Crimestoppers.

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