Investigators spent part of Thursday afternoon searching a wooded area near Missouri 210 looking for any evidence connected to a missing Northland baby.

Capt. Steve Young said the latest search was near the same area authorities and police dogs scoured on Wednesday. They did not receive a tip, but wanted a more thorough examination of the area.

“We thought it was prudent to keep looking,” Young said.

Earlier in the day, a New York security consultant spent more than an hour speaking with the parents of a missing 11-month-old Lisa Irwin.

Bill Stanton, a former New York City police officer and consultant for network news shows, said he is assisting the family in finding Lisa, who disappeared Oct. 4 while she slept in her crib.

Stanton would not disclose details of his conversation with the parents, with whom he spoke separately. However, he said his inquiry is moving ahead.

The parents were cooperating, “and our fingers are crossed. We are hoping this ends with a safe return,” he said.

The conversation took place in the backyard of a relative’s home near Northeast Vivion Road and North Walrond Avenue, where the family is staying.

Stanton and the girl’s father, Jeremy Irwin, appeared just before 11 a.m. and sat beneath a tree in the backyard. The child’s mother, Deborah Bradley, spoke with Stanton separately about 30 minutes later.

To read the complete article, visit www.kansascity.com.