In a heartbreaking and increasingly urgent search effort, authorities in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, are racing against time to locate 7-year-old Jacob Baer, who went missing Saturday afternoon in the wooded area near Veteran’s Park. Jacob, who has autism, was walking with his father near School Street at around 4:30 p.m. when he wandered away after his father briefly looked in another direction. Despite extensive search efforts involving local police, firefighters, specialized search-and-rescue teams, and volunteers, Jacob remains missing as of Sunday morning. Late Saturday night, items believed to belong to the boy were discovered in the West Twin River, adding a new focal point for the ongoing search.
Jacob Baer is described as being 3’5” tall and weighing 56 pounds, with distinctive blue eyes and blond, shaggy hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket with a green hood, a black-and-gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and RealTree camouflage boots in size 13. Authorities are emphasizing that Jacob’s autism may impact his behavior and response to unfamiliar individuals, which has heightened the complexity of the search operation. Anyone with information on Jacob’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Two Rivers Police Department at 920-686-7200 immediately.
The discovery of items believed to be Jacob’s in the West Twin River late Saturday night marks a significant development in the case. The nature of these items has not been disclosed to the public, but search crews have expressed cautious optimism that the discovery may help pinpoint the child’s location. Search teams resumed operations early Sunday morning, using sonar equipment, drones, and K-9 units to comb through the area. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other state-level agencies have joined local authorities in the search, underscoring the seriousness and urgency of the situation.
The Two Rivers Police Department has confirmed that the search has expanded beyond Veteran’s Park to include the surrounding neighborhoods, riverbanks, and wooded trails. Divers have been deployed to search the West Twin River, a waterway that runs near where Jacob was last seen. This effort has been further bolstered by aerial surveillance using drones equipped with thermal imaging, which is particularly effective in detecting body heat in dense foliage or water. “The terrain and conditions are challenging, but we are committed to finding Jacob and bringing him home,” said Police Chief Brian Kohlmeier during a press briefing on Sunday morning.
Jacob’s disappearance has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Two Rivers, a small city in Manitowoc County known for its scenic parks and family-friendly atmosphere. News of his disappearance has prompted an outpouring of support from residents, many of whom have joined the search efforts or provided meals and supplies for first responders. Social media platforms have been flooded with shares of Jacob’s photo and description, along with heartfelt messages of hope and solidarity. “We’re all praying for Jacob’s safe return,” said local resident Susan Hartman, who has two children of her own. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
The urgency of finding Jacob is compounded by the characteristics of autism, which can sometimes lead children to exhibit unique behaviors in stressful or unfamiliar situations. Experts have pointed out that Jacob may not respond to his name being called and could hide if he feels scared or overwhelmed. “Children with autism often seek out quiet, secluded spaces when they’re distressed,” explained Dr. Laura Sanders, a developmental psychologist specializing in autism. “This makes it absolutely critical for search teams to thoroughly check every possible hiding spot, including dense underbrush, hollow logs, and even small, enclosed spaces.”
The search effort has also raised important questions about safety protocols for children with special needs in outdoor environments. Advocates for autism awareness have emphasized the importance of equipping children with GPS trackers or wearable devices that can assist in locating them quickly if they become lost. “This tragedy underscores the need for increased awareness and resources to prevent such incidents from occurring,” said Michael Ramirez, director of a Wisconsin-based autism advocacy group. “Parents and caregivers must have access to tools and strategies that can help keep their children safe.”
As the search for Jacob Baer continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that may aid in his recovery. Community members have been asked to check their properties, including sheds, garages, and other potential hiding places where a frightened child might seek shelter. Volunteers have been advised to adhere to safety guidelines and coordinate with law enforcement to avoid inadvertently disrupting the search operation. “Every second counts in a situation like this,” said Chief Kohlmeier. “We need the community’s full cooperation to ensure that our efforts are as effective as possible.”
Jacob’s disappearance has also sparked a broader conversation about the role of community vigilance and preparedness in responding to missing person cases. Local officials have highlighted the importance of early reporting, coordinated search efforts, and the use of technology to enhance rescue operations. “This is a reminder of how critical it is for communities to have robust emergency response plans in place,” said Mayor Kevin Sorensen of Two Rivers. “When a child goes missing, every moment matters, and the community’s collective response can make all the difference.”
As Sunday unfolds, the hope of finding Jacob Baer safe and sound remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds. The Two Rivers Police Department has pledged to keep the public informed with regular updates and to continue the search until all avenues have been exhausted. For Jacob’s family, friends, and the entire community of Two Rivers, the next hours will be filled with a mix of anxiety, determination, and unwavering hope. The discovery of Jacob’s belongings in the West Twin River offers a glimmer of possibility in an otherwise harrowing ordeal, and the efforts of countless individuals—both professional and volunteer—stand as a testament to the power of collective action in the face of adversity.
