Law Enforcement Asks Public to Stay Out of Search for Missing Teens

Aiden Grefe and Dakota Brown

MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to stay away from the search for two missing teens.

“We appreciate everyone’s thoughts, prayers, willingness to help, etc… However… PLEASE…stay away from this area FOR RIGHT NOW,” read a post from the Sheriff’s Office on Facebook Monday afternoon.

Officers say civilian vehicles have gotten stuck in the search area, making getting their equipment where it needs to be difficult or impossible. Additionally, those searching by air can’t tell the difference between a group of well-meaning people walking through the area and officers in the formal search.

If a wider search is required officers will put out a call for volunteers. The public will be welcome to join in the effort at that time.

Given the level of interest in the case, officers are also asking residents to hold back their Facebook comments and messages unless they have actionable information because it’s become difficult to find those comments which need immediate attention from those that don’t.

RELATED: Teens missing from Lincoln County

This all stems from the disappearance of Aiden Grefe, 17, and Dakota Brown, 16. The two were last seen near a cabin at State Road 17 and Shingle Mill Road in the Town of Harrison. They either walked away or were picked up by an unknown person.

Anyone with information on where they are is asked to call 911 or contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for non-emergency tips at 715 536-6272.