Merced deputies searching for missing Delhi toddler

Merced County sheriff’s deputies are searching for a 3-year-old Delhi boy who apparently has been missing since Saturday afternoon.

Sgt. Delray Shelton identified the child as Andres Tomas. He was described by deputies as a Hispanic boy, last seen wearing jeans, Converse shoes and a red and blue shirt.

Investigators believe the child was playing with siblings and may have wandered away. Currently, deputies do not believe the child was kidnapped, Shelton said.

Deputies are searching fields, orchards, homes and a nearby canal in the area of Shanks Road and Letteau Avenue in Delhi, just west of Highway 99, Sgt. Ray Framstad said.

The child was reported missing around 4 p.m., according to Shelton.

Multiple agencies are involved in the search, including helicopters searching from the sky and divers are searching nearby canals, Shelton said.

Authorities asked residents to stay out of the area and allow deputies time and space to conduct the search. Additional people coming into the area could potentially interfere and inadvertently hamper the search, authorities said.

No other information was immediately available.

This story will be updated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209-385-7445.

This story was originally published October 22, 2016 at 9:27 PM with the headline "Merced deputies searching for missing Delhi toddler."