FBI Assisting in Search for Missing 8-Year-Old California Girl Madyson Middleton
A search is underway for an 8-year-old girl who has gone missing in Santa Cruz
— -- A state-wide search, assisted by the FBI, is underway after an 8-year-old California girl vanished over the weekend.
The Santa Cruz Police Department was first called to the Tannery Arts Center, a housing unit for artists, when Madyson “Maddy” Middleton was reported missing from her home there Sunday evening.
Madyson was last seen riding her white Razor scooter, wearing a purple knee-high dress with black leggings, and a black a baseball-style helmet with long, dark hair pulled to the side in a braid.
The FBI has joined the effort in addition to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team. It was not immediately clear if foul play was involved and the investigation was in the early stages, police said.
Specially trained K-9’s from the State Office of Emergency Services have helped track down Madyson’s scent in the city's main beach area about 2 miles away.
The search is expected to continue near the beach during daylight hours and include the San Lorenzo River waterway and levees, where watercraft, aircraft and foot teams will be utilized.
Madyson is described as being 4 feet tall, 48 pounds with long brown hair and blue eyes.