Search for Missing 12-Year-Old Paused in Clarksville, Parks Closed Amid Ongoing Efforts

Authorities in Clarksville have paused the search for a missing 12-year-old boy who vanished after last being seen in the Red River. The Clarksville Police Department reported that dive teams ended their efforts for the evening and are expected to pick up the search at 8:30 a.m. the following Monday, according to a press release detailed by ClarksvilleNow.com.

Clarksville Fire Rescue, though the divers paused their operations, will continue their work into the Sunday night. This was a decision made after the boy's father reported his son missing early Sunday afternoon at Billy Dunlop Park, as WSMV documents.

As a measure of precaution, the Clarksville Police Department has decided to keep several areas off-limits to the public. Billy Dunlop Park, Robert Clark Park, and the Blueway will remain closed as the search continues, with an intent on ensuring the safety of the public and streamlining the rescue and recovery efforts, FOX 17 reported.

Providing updates on the situation, CPD spokesperson Scott Beaubien noted, "At this time, unless there are any significant changes in the situation, Billy Dunlop Park, Robert Clark Park, and the Blueway will remain closed to the public until further notice," a statement echoed from their initial notification of the incident. The search initially ramped up shortly after 1:45 p.m. Sunday, with multiple agencies joining forces in a collaborative effort to locate the young boy reported to have last been seen in Big West Fork Creek, ClarksvilleNow.com adds.