Field search begins for missing Sand Springs man

MCINTOSH COUNTY, Okla. — A field search for a missing man began Friday morning in McIntosh County.

Zach Smith Sr. disappeared on December 8^th of Sand Springs.

His car was later discovered along the Indian Nation Turnpike near mile marker 94 near the town of Dustin.

It’s a case that now spans five counties and involves a vast forested area.

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2 News was there as search and rescue teams unloaded their horses, set up drones and dropped the K-9s.

Gene Smith is Zach’s brother and was present as crews began the difficult task of bringing his brother home.

“This is taking a heavy toll on everyone at the moment. I haven’t had much sleep and I’m just worried and the worst part is not having any answers,” Smith said.

Private detective Eric Cullen is leading the research.

He said there was a glimmer of hope when the K-9 hit something near where Smith’s car was found.

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“At mile marker 94 where the car was found, the tracking dog started just inside the fence of the property which was just to the west of where the car was found, detected a scent and headed north but the smell went cold,” Cullen said.

After searching for hours, Cullen said the team will now turn their attention to Smith’s vehicle.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for Smith’s car.

“His car is going to be digitally and forensically checked today. Tracking, cameras, car play, anything to see if we can discover anything from this. Law enforcement is handling it,” Cullen said.

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Smith said he prays his brother’s car will reveal more clues about what happened to him.

“They’re going to get the car key and they’re going to try to film the car. I assume the cars have cameras and they can try to find evidence that he was in the car or anyone was inside the car,” Smith said.

If you have any information on the disappearance of Zach Smith Sr., you are asked to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.

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