FREEPORT, Maine (WGME) -- Amid the search for a missing teenager in Freeport, law enforcement said Saturday that tips from the public have helped in their efforts.
Police say 14-year-old Theo Ferrara has been missing since Thursday afternoon. Investigators say Ferrara left his home on Flying Point Road near Maquoit Bay in Freeport.
"We've actually received probably a dozen pieces of information that have required some follow up," Freeport Police Chief Nathaniel Goodman said during a Saturday news conference. "I think they've helped direct the search to a certain extent so I believe it is fruitful in that regard."
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As the search enters its third day, more than 30 search and rescue volunteers, 8 canines as well as personnel from local police, Maine Warden Service and Maine Marine Patrol are in the area assisting.
Investigators say Ferrara was last seen at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, leaving his home wearing a white windbreaker, t-shirt, neon shorts and carrying a royal blue backpack. They believe he was seen heading towards Brunswick and that's where they’ve concentrated their search efforts on the ground, with drones in the air and along the shore.
"Right now, we're focusing on within a mile or so of Theo's residence," Lt. Jason Luce with the Maine Warden Service said. "We've had several credible witnesses that have put him at a certain location and we're obviously concentrating on those areas."
Law enforcement said they've received an outpouring of support from the public since Thursday but are asking people not to go out searching on their own just yet. However, Freeport Police is encouraging people to search their own properties as well as look at their Ring or surveillance cameras for any signs of Ferrara.
"People want to be involved and they want to help but they don't always know the best way to help," said Chief Goodman. "We're really looking for people who travel that route and who live in that area to reach out if you have any recollection of seeing him that day or interacting with him or have any surveillance, dash cam or ring cameras at your residence."
Ferrara is 5’7”, about 125 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Police say Ferrara has no history of running away from home.
If you have any information about his possible whereabouts, you’re asked to call Freeport Police at (207) 725-5521, option 2, then option 6.