BETHEL, Ohio — Jim Berns has worked on more than 500 pet search and rescue cases. But a search Tuesday in Brown County stands out.
Berns, his dog Hank and other volunteers are searching for a dog that escaped from a deadly crash scene last week on Bethel New Hope Road. The missing dog, Ellie, belonged to one of three crash victims, 10-year-old Cameron Moler who died in the crash. Robert Moler, 83, and Nicholas Moler, 33, also died.
“I can only imagine what the mother is going through having lost three family members to that accident,” Berns said.
Family members say Ellie survived the crash, but disappeared shortly after. The search for the dog started on Monday.
“This dog is still alive, running around. I’m very, very sure they’re going to get the pet back but it may take a few days,” Berns said.
Berns, a search dog handler with Pet Search and Rescue, is aiding in the search alongside the Brown County Animal Shelter.
It’s day two of the search for Ellie, the dog in the three-person crash in Bethel last week, who survived the crash & disappeared shortly after. Today, they’re getting help from a pet search and rescue team which brought three dogs to aid the search @WCPO more at noon. pic.twitter.com/lqm4nIB90n
— Paola Suro WCPO (@PaolaSNews) December 4, 2018
“It’s a mixture of residential area, wood areas. We do have streets that we’re keeping an eye on hoping that she doesn’t get hit on the roads,” explained Chief Warden Melissa Downs.
Downs said the the shelter received about a dozen tips. She said the accident happened about five miles from the family’s home. Downs advises residents not to chase or call out for Ellie, instead call the shelter at 937-378-3457. Tipsters can also call Brianne VanPelt at 513-515-7884 if you believe you see Ellie.
Have you seen Ellie? She went missing after surviving a crash in Brown County where three people died. 10-year-old Cameron Moler was one of the victims. Family says this is his blue heeler who survived the crash and disappeared shortly after. @WCPO Today on #GMTS pic.twitter.com/SeACOpMqlf
— Paola Suro WCPO (@PaolaSNews) December 4, 2018
Cameron Moler was a fourth-grader at Kilgour Elementary.
Police said alcohol and speed were suspected contributors to the crash. Neither of the adults had been wearing a seatbelt. In a news release, troopers identified Nicholas Moler as the driver.
