The search of a Harewood area house in relation to a missing Nanaimo girl has ended and the investigation is continuing, say police in Nanaimo.
Makayla Chang, 16, was last seen in Nanaimo on March 17, and police had been on scene at a Bruce Avenue residence since Wednesday night, according to Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.
O’Brien said the investigation ended Friday evening, but he wouldn’t comment on whether any evidence was found.
On Thursday, members of the RCMP forensic team, wearing white coveralls, were seen in and around the property, which had tents set up in the backyard.
“Part of the investigation is involving searching various residences where Makayla may have associated or frequented,” O’Brien said Thursday. “So that’s what we’re doing. We’re not confirming whose house it is at this point. We also used search and rescue [Wednesday] to search various areas in the Harewood area where she may have frequented as well. That search proved negative.”
Police on scene at house in #Harewood. Bruce and Fifth in #Nanaimo. pic.twitter.com/Bl7VWm1Ey7
— Karl Yu (@KarlYuBulletin) March 30, 2017
O’Brien said having tents set up is normal for RCMP identification specialists to “take a further look and draw on uncontaminated areas and certain objects,” and it is not uncommon for the forensic team to aid in a search.
A Nanaimo RCMP press release issued Wednesday said a man named Steven Bacon, 53, might have information on Chang’s whereabouts and were looking to speak with him.
“There’s a number of tips we’re following up on, but we still haven’t had a chance to speak with him and we’re hoping to do that in the near future,” said O’Brien.
Chang is described as part Asian, part Caucasian and standing 5-foot-1, 110 pounds, with short red-dyed hair.
If you have any information on Chang, please call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637 with keyword Nanaimo, or call 1-800-222-8477.
Nanaimo RCMP seeking man who might have information on teen’s whereabouts https://t.co/6omjjGjG2M pic.twitter.com/5pK03uyc8q
— Nanaimo Bulletin (@NanaimoBulletin) March 29, 2017