Police in Nanaimo are searching two properties in Harewood today (April 10) as part of the ongoing search for missing teen Makayla Chang.
The search began this morning when RCMP Tactical Team members, who are trained in search techniques, combed a field, outbuildings, bushes and debris from a collapsed wooden outbuilding at 601 and 609 Bruce Ave., located across from University Village shopping centre.
Police at the scene would not officially comment on what they were searching for, but Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, confirmed the search is part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Makayla Chang who was last seen March 17.
“Given the fact that she’s been missing for a considerable amount of time and taking into consideration the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, we cannot rule out foul play,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien would not confirm the property at 609 Bruce St. is associated to Steven Bacon, 53, of Nanaimo, who police were looking for until they spoke with him Thursday.
“I don’t know who [the property] belongs to, but it was a property Makayla stayed at from time to time,” O’Brien said. “Looking back through various things, I don’t think we’ve ever confirmed, but other media sources have confirmed, that Mr. Bacon was residing there, but we have not confirmed that.”
Police have also never said Bacon was a suspect or even a person of interest in the investigation.
O’Brien said the search of the Bruce Street properties would continue today and could continue into Tuesday.
Police, with help from Nanaimo Search and Rescue, have previously searched Colliery Dam Park and Cat Stream Park.
“We’d like to thank SAR for their expertise, thoroughness and due diligence provided in searching those areas,” O’Brien said. “The search is continuing and we are focusing our efforts on finding Makayla.”
Anyone with information about Chang’s whereabouts or any information that could help with the police investigation, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637 with keyword Nanaimo or submit a tip online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.