The Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s office is seeking information regarding the whereabouts of Montesano couple Jason and Melissa McAlister and two of their young children, reported missing from their Old Wynooche Road residence early Tuesday evening.

A resident at the McAlister’s address, in a rural area about 20 miles north of Montesano, called to report the couple missing at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday after noticing the couple, their two youngest children, age 2 years and 8 months, and their gold 2008 Chevy Uplander van, Washington plates BCG7486, were gone, according to Chief Criminal Deputy Steve Shumate. Shortly after, the reporting party was informed that two of the McAlister’s children, ages 7 and 5, had been returned to the Montesano School bus garage “because the McAlisters were not at the bus stop for drop off.”

Deputies were informed the couple had mentioned going for a drive after completing some morning chores, but did not give a specific destination and indicated they would return by 3 p.m. The reporting party told deputies the couple often went to the Humptulips area and the steel bridge in Mason County. Deputies from Grays Harbor and Mason counties checked various locations throughout the night and early morning hours without success, said Shumate, and will continue the search throughout the day.

Shumate is asking anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the McAlisters and the two children, last seen at 7 a.m. Tuesday, to call the Grays Harbor Communications Center at (360) 533-8765.