Elijah Vue, 3, was reported missing from Two Rivers Feb. 20, 2024. (Photo source: Two Rivers Police Dept.)
TWO RIVERS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Rumors that a volunteer agency has not been allowed to help in the search for missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue are a “distraction,” Two Rivers police say.
In a statement Tuesday, Capt. Andrew Raatz said, contrary to social media rumors, police have consulted with a volunteer horseback search and rescue organization, which confirmed police are using the best technology and resources available.
Raatz wrote:
At no time has any local, state or federal agency denied a volunteer organization from participating in any search nor have they needed our permission to engage in a search. We have utilized numerous search groups throughout this incident. These search groups, along with an immense amount of law enforcement resources, have utilized the highest levels of technology and expertise available in efforts to find Elijah. Nearly all these groups were either volunteer non-profit groups or funded through local, state or federal taxpayer dollars.
We have actively requested and encouraged the help of volunteers. Referencing past media releases and news stories clearly attest to our call for volunteers. The only restrictions to volunteer groups participating in any searches has been respecting private property, which is the same restriction we have as law enforcement.
Police say the search continues this week with efforts using dogs and horses. Investigators are also following up on tips and leads, and analyzing video and other data.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is the lead agency, police say.
Elijah Vue was reported missing Feb. 20. Both his mother, Katrina Baur, and her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, were arrested soon after. They remain jailed on child neglect charges. Prosecutors say Baur sent her son to stay with Vang at his Two Rivers apartment to learn discipline.
Baur appeared in court last week, where her request to have her $15,000 cash bond converted to a signature bond was denied. Attorneys in the case have scheduled a status conference for May 28. Vang’s case is set for a status conference June 28.
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