700 turn out to search for missing North Carolina girl

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- The FBI estimates more than 700 people turned out to join the search for a missing North Carolina child, and some had to be turned away. 

Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller said on Friday that volunteers came from as far away as Raleigh, 120 miles (193 kilometers) southeast of Jacksonville.

"We finished up searching the  area more quickly than anticipated because of the massive outpouring of support from the community. We will be pulling everyone out of the woods by 4:30 p.m. in order to have everyone safely to their cars before dark," Shelly Lynch with the FBI Charlotte Division said. 

Volunteers covered east of Dawson Cabin Road and from Laredo Drive west to High Hill Road. 

"A few items were flagged by our volunteers, but they are not believed to be related to the disappearance of Mariah," Lynch said. 

On Thursday, Sheriff Miller called on civilians to join law enforcement in the land and air search for 3-year-old Mariah Woods. 

Related: NC authorities organizing search party for 3-year-old missing girl

Sheriff Miller said authorities will look at what was found and decide whether they need to look in another area.

The FBI said they have been sending "items of interest" to their lab in Quantico, Virginia, for priority testing in the case.

The girl was reported missing from her home on Monday.