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ANETH, San Juan County — Day three of the search for a missing San Juan County girl within the Navajo Nation began early Saturday morning.
More than 100 volunteers gathered at 7 a.m. at the Aneth Chapter House, which has become the headquarters for the law enforcement operation.
“I want to reassure the public that we are coordinating resources on the Navajo Nation,” said Navajo Police Chief Phillip Francisco on a video posted to his department's Facebook page.
Police shared a photo of Andanndine Jones Saturday evening on Facebook. They say she is 2 to 2 1/2 feet tall and weighs 35 pounds with brown hair and black eyes. She was last seen wearing a white shirt and light blue pants.
The Navajo Police Department is investigating but officials said this does not appear to be an abduction.
The girl's parents called police Thursday when they said they couldn’t find her.
Police said it appears Andanndine walked away from her house. Since the family lives near McElmo Creek in Aneth, a lot of the search efforts have been on the banks of the creek as well as downstream.
The water flow is high right now because of the snowmelt runoff.
The Navajo Police Department has been posting updates on its Facebook page where people have been writing their thoughts.
Lenora Neswood wrote, “Hopes and prayers that the precious baby will be found today.”
Anna Tsosie said, “Lord, help find the little toddler today with the rescue team and law enforcement. Bring her home. Amen.”
Darnell Benally wrote, “God bless everyone that are contributing their time to try and find this little girl. Stay safe out there.”
Francisco is asking any volunteers who might come out later to check in first.
“We are asking the public if you’re wanting to help in the search, make sure you go to the chapter house and check in so we can make sure we have a coordinated effort,” he said.
Crews ended Saturday's foot search at 5 p.m. and will pick back up Sunday morning.
Anyone with information on Andanndine is asked to contact the Navajo Police Department Shiprock District at 505-368-1350 or 505-368-1351.
