Police have moved the search for Shaniya Davis farther south of Sanford on N.C. 87 this afternoon.
Fayetteville Police Department spokeswoman Theresa Chance said they have thoroughly searched a wide area off Walker Road, near its intersection with the highway. About 250 people are searching for the missing 5-year-old from Fayetteville, including law-enforcement and emergency-services personnel and civilians who live in the area. A helicopter is being used as are dogs and officers on horseback.
They have searched woods, farm fields and areas thickly covered with kudzu.
"I'm cut to pieces," said Annette Powers, a volunteer searcher who lives in the area. "I just hope we find her."
The search operation is now operating from near the intersection of N.C. 87 with Olivia Road.