Major crime investigators say a man who they believed was with missing Port Alberni woman Amber Manthorne has since been located.
Justin Hall was initially believed to be accompanying Manthorne, who was reported missing after failing to show up for work on Friday.
However, police have since confirmed that Hall has been located and they no longer believe that Amber is with him.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is assisting Port Alberni RCMP in the case.
“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 can not be immediately ruled out,” said Insp. Kevin O’Donnell, officer in charge of VIIMCU, in a statement.
RCMP say they are continuing to work with search and rescue teams to comb the Island and search “viable sites as they are identified,” such as an area south of Nanaimo where her vehicle was discovered Friday.
Investigators are asking anyone with information on Manthorne’s disappearance who have not already spoken with them to call 250-723-2424.
CHEK News
