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More than 1,000 acres have been searched for clues. It is uncertain if or when the search will continue.
By JANE MEINHARDT
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 16, 2000
CLEARWATER -- For detectives, the fifth day of the search for missing 8-year-old Zachary Bernhardt Friday was spent reviewing what they've learned so far.
For the first time since the boy disappeared Monday, there was no large-scale search. Instead, detectives, who have been working in 18-hour shifts since he vanished, used the day to review information and tips. About 50 detectives, technicians and others are working on the case.
"We have received hundreds and hundreds of tips," said Clearwater police spokesman Wayne Shelor. "None has yet helped us locate Zachary. Still, we're doing traditional detective work, going over some of the same ground and looking again at what information people have provided us."
Leah Hackett, 29, told police she went for a walk at 4 a.m. Monday, leaving Zachary asleep in their apartment at Savannah Trace at 2690 Drew St. When she returned 15 minutes later, the boy was gone. Police said she had not locked the door.
Police say there is no evidence a crime has been committed.
Several of Hackett's sisters and other family members on Friday went to the Clearwater Police Department and met with detectives for about an hour. "They were not asked to come down," Shelor said. "They did because they were curious and just wanted to look around and ask questions. They talked to detectives. I think there is a feeling of impotence on their part."
So far, more than 1,000 acres of east Clearwater have been searched for clues to Zachary's disappearance. It was uncertain Friday if or when another search would be conducted.
"This type of situation is fluid," Shelor said. "Many of our actions are dictated by unfolding circumstances."
Zachary has blond hair and blue eyes. He is 4-foot-6 and weighs 60 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call Clearwater police at (727) 562-4242 or the Missing Children Information Clearinghouse at (888) 356-4774.