The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit has been called in to help in the search for a Port Alberni woman whose vehicle was found south of Nanaimo.
The unit will join Port Alberni RCMP in trying to find 40-year-old Amber Manthorne, who has not been heard from since July 6.
“We understand that it may be concerning to hear that the VIIMCU has been called to assist, however we want to assure the community that this is not unusual in cases where a person’s disappearance is out of character and criminality cannot be immediately ruled out,” said Insp. Kevin O’Donnell, officer in charge of the major crime unit.
“If criminality is ruled out, the Port Alberni RCMP will again become the primary investigating agency.”
Major crime unit investigators are in Port Alberni following up on tips and information, conducting interviews and gathering video.
While police said earlier that Manthorne might be in the company of Justin Hall, Port Alberni RCMP said Hall has now been located, and they believe the two are not together anymore.
The RCMP said it will keep working with search-and-rescue teams at various sites, such as the one south of Nanaimo where Manthorne’s Jeep was found.
She is described as five-foot-one with a slim build and blond hair.
Call Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424 with any information.
>>> To comment on this article, write a letter to the editor: [email protected]
