Police say the investigation into what happened to 3-year-old Dominick Arceneaux shifts from a tragic accident to a possible abduction a week after the little boy's disappearance.
When Dominick Arceneaux disappeared February 10th from his home near Chidester, the lake behind his home became the center of the search. Investigators dragged the lake, dive teams went down and dogs scoured the shoreline. But six days later things have changed. "We're confident he's not in the lake. Is it possible? This is a large lake but there are very little currents. We've talked to a lot of experts. We believe the search we conducted, if he was in that water, we would have found him," says Thomas Browne with the FBI.
Now, according to Browne the focus shifts; they're strongly considering someone abducted Dominick.
The FBI is teaming up with the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, passing out fliers across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious to report it. "This could include someone who was visiting the area, someone who recently arrived in the White Oak area prior to last Tuesday or just somebody who left suddenly," says Browne.
They're questioning sex offenders within a 50 mile radius of Dominick's home and patrons of a bar close by. They've had a few leads but investigators admit they have no idea what happened to Dominick, which is hard to tell his mother. "As far as she understands, she's still heartbroken she wants to be kept advised of everything that's going on," says Sheriff David Norwood of Ouachita County.
And with the public's help Sheriff Norwood prays they'll be able to deliver her some good news by bringing her son home safe.
Dominick Wesley Arceneaux
Age and/or DOB: 6/15/2005
Missing Date: 2/10/2009
Missing from City: Chidister
Missing from County: Ouachita | Sex: Male
Race: White
Height: 3 ft.
Weight: 38 lbs.
Hair: Short brown hair
Eyes: Brown
Complexion is described as: Dark |
| Last seen wearing blue jean shorts with red stiching on the pockets.. |
A Morgan Nick Amber Alert was issued for Dominick Wesley Arceneaux, 3, February 10th after the boy went missing near White Oak Lake west of Chidester.
If you have any information please call the FBI at 1-800-call-FBI or 1-800-225-5324.
