Search continues for missing Franklin man

May 16, 2017 9:52 pm

By: Bianca Buono

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: BBuonoABC6

FRANKLIN, M.A. (WLNE) – It’s all hands on deck in the search for 20-year-old Michael Doherty.

For the third straight day, more than 40 law enforcement agencies, K-9’s, and volunteers on foot combed through rugged terrain in Franklin looking for any trace of the missing man.

Today’s clear weather, allowed for helicopters and drones to search from above while dive teams scour the marsh below.

Their command post set up just around the corner from Phyllis Lane.

Doherty was last seen there early Sunday morning leaving a party.

His parents reported him missing when he never came home.

"They’re devastated I can’t imagine what these parents are going through," said Franklin Police Chief Thomas Lynch.

While no sign of the Duke University student, one blood hound did lead investigators across town lines into Bellingham.

Police put out a reverse 911 call, asking residents there to check their yards.

In addition, police have recovered some of Doherty’s belongings.

"Well we found one article of clothing a shoe and a shirt at the northern edge and another shoe on the southern edge so that helped us focus our search," said Chief Lynch.

Doherty’s disappearance coming as a shock to Franklin residents who describe the town as quiet and close-knit.

“It’s terrible when it’s pretty much in your own backyard," said Chief Lynch.

Police say they’ve interviewed around 30 people who were at the same party as Doherty over the weekend.

They say he was coherent when he left police are expected to wrap up today’s search at dusk but I’m told they are still categorizing this as a search and rescue mission.