Homes on Federal Street searched for missing girl

6/13/2013
BLADE STAFF

The FBI and Toledo police searched several homes Wednesday evening in the 600 block of Federal Street for a missing 18-month girl, just blocks from where she was last seen June 2.

The search for Elaina Steinfurth at 660 Federal St. began about 5 p.m. Most investigators left the scene by 9 p.m. Three other homes in the area were searched.

Authorities did not comment on the search, which included a cadaver dog from the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, and a visit from the TPD chaplain.

The dog searched a van parked on the street multiple times before authorities towed it.

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

The search came hours after Toledo police announced a $10,000 cash reward to anyone who could provide information that leads to the girl’s whereabouts.

Anyone with information is asked to 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.

— Kelly McLendon