Sheriff vows search for Toya to continue

MOSES LAKE - Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones confirmed Friday there is no new information in the search for Moses Lake resident Dan Toya, missing since Dec. 23.

Jones said he's been in constant contact with Toya's family, assuring them the case will remain open and assigned to a sheriff's detective.

"We have brought to bear all resources we could muster," Jones stated. "Those resources include ground search parties, a helicopter from the Spokane County sheriff's office, search dogs and a sonar boat. We have retraced Dan's steps to Samson's Beach. Unfortunately, we have not found any further signs of Dan." A sonar boat from Boise, Idaho conducted an extensive search of the Potholes Reservoir Wednesday and Thursday, yielding no clues.

The boat was unable to access some areas of the reservoir, which were iced over, Jones noted.

"We are going to continue to have our marine unit out there periodically as their boat also has a sonar in it," he said. "It's not as high tech of course, but we can continue to scan the water."

While the investigation has slowed due to a lack of leads, Jones reiterated it is still active and has been assigned to a major crimes detective for more specific attention by one person.

Investigators confirmed Toya took his dog, Molly, to a Moses Lake veterinarian on the afternoon of Dec. 23. Toya's locked, unoccupied pickup truck was found near Samson's Beach along the Potholes Reservoir later that evening, and it is presumed he took the dog for a walk there after the vet visit.

Family said Toya was in good health and good spirits.

The investigation continues, and no possibilities on what happened to Toya have been ruled out, Jones stated.

Anyone with possible information about Dan Toya is asked to call the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 509-762-1160. Information can also be sent to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous.