Oregon Public Broadcasting

Police searching for Kyron Horman searched various areas away from Skyline Elementary school Tuesday.

Missing Portland second-grader Kyron Horman

The second grader disappeared Friday after attending an early morning science fair with his stepmother.

Captain Jason Gates of the Multnomah County Sheriff's office says they've changed the focus of their search from around the school because of a telephone tip. But, he says, they're still anxious for new leads.

Jason Gates: "Tips continue to come into our tip line and we continue to incorporate new leads into the investigation. Even as we speak.  I hear from people all the time, well I didn't think that was very important. I didn't want to bother you with that. If you have even seemingly insignificant information, we want that information." 

Gates says detectives have interviewed about 99 percent of the students and the majority of staff and parents at the school.

Jason Gates: "Any families that have not been interviewed as of yet. We'll continue to try and contact you but it would make it easier for us if you could call our tip line and give your information. We'll have a detective contact you immediately and come and interview you, even at your home."

Gates says the FBI will provide a new command center vehicle for the search tomorrow.

He also says no 'Amber Alert' was issued when authorities first realized Horman was missing, because they didn't have enough information -- for example a license plate number or a known abductor.

Skyline's principal, Benjamin Keefer, thanked law enforcement officials for their work over the last five days. He says having detectives interview all 300 kids has been hectic.

Benjamin Keefer: "Parents and community, obviously with an event like this are very distraught.  They've been coming together. Skyline is an amazing community. The outpouring of support from the community, from current parents, past parents, it's just been tremendous. They're all coming together to support one another. Kyron, his family, just really thoughts and prayers going out to having this all ending in a safe and wonderful way."

Keefer says about 20 kids are absent on an average day at Skyline Elementary. Yesterday that was up to 45, today it dropped to 35.

The boy's aunt, Kelly Ramirez, spoke out on behalf of his family on childseeknetwork-dot-com. She said it's important to circulate Kyron's picture -- in an effort to jog people's memories.

Authorities say additional comments from the family will be available Wednesday.

Anyone with information regarding Kyron Horman whereabouts is asked to call the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office tip line 503 261-2847, or to dial 911 with emergency information.