FBI, Toledo police search multiple homes on Federal Street, looking for Elaina Steinfurth

18-month-old has been missing since June 2

6/12/2013
BY KELLY McLENDON
BLADE STAFF WRITER
  • Elaina-Steinfurth

    Elaina Steinfurth was reported missing on Sunday June 6, 2013. Handout NOT BLADE PHOTO

    HANDOUT NOT BLADE PHOTO

    • FBI and Toledo Police Department authorities searched multiple homes today in the 600 block of Federal Street for a missing 18-month girl before suspending the search about four hours later.

    The search for Elaina Steinfurth at 660 Federal St. -- just blocks from where she went missing June 2 -- started at about 5 p.m. Most investigators left the scene by 9 p.m. Three other residences alongside that home were also searched.

    Authorities did not comment on the search, which included a cadaver dog brought in from Geauga County Sheriff's Office, and a visit from the TPD chaplain. The dog searched a GMC Safari van parked on the street multiple times, before the van was towed away by authorities.

    The home at 660 Federal St. has been vacant for years, according to authorities and neighbors. The residence is owned by Gerald and Doris Apthorpe, according to the Lucas County Auditor's Office Web site.

    Neighbors watched the search from the street and porches.

    Kyle Lewis, who was visiting his brother's house on Federal Street, said he believes the missing girl is still alive. Mr. Lewis said he heard that authorities were searching a residence on the street because they found a “crawlspace on a blueprint.”

    Kimberly Dunahoo, who lives on Federal Street, said she hopes the girl is found safe.

    “It's been a horrible situation. It's heart-wrenching,” she said.

    The search came just hours after Toledo police announced that they were offering a $10,000 cash reward to anyone who could provide information that leads to the girl's whereabouts. Anyone with information should call 1-800-225-5324.

    The girl was reported missing after her father, Terry Steinfurth II, went to pick up his daughters from his estranged wife, who was staying at a house in the 700 block of Federal Street, and the girls' mother, Angela Steinfurth, said the younger girl was missing.