Search now concentrates on the Hudson River

K-9 search

NEWBURGH – The search for 4-year-old Marc Bookal was expanded to the Hudson River waterfront Wednesday morning.

Police Chief Eric Paolilli said the search, which has included bloodhounds from the Westchester Department of Public Safety, had concentrated for the last two days in the area of 11 Benkard Avenue, the home of the little boy.

The chief said as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the focus of the search is the area along the river. Resources from city and state police and K-9 units from both agencies and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are being use.

A cadaver dog searched the waterfront and turned up nothing, a state trooper said.

Police said the boy’s shoes have not been found.

The boyfriend, Cory Byrd, 30, has been arrested and charged with a parole violation and endangering the welfare of a child.

He was watching the little boy when the child is said to have wandered out the front door of their home and disappeared.