Amber Manthorne was last seen in Port Alberni last week, however her vehicle was discovered south of Nanaimo over the weekend. (RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

missing WOMAN

Major crime unit activated as search continues for missing Alberni woman

Jul 12, 2022 | 3:42 PM

NANAIMO — Mounties in multiple Island jurisdictions are continuing the search for a woman missing for almost a week.

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit have assumed control of the investigation into Amber Manthorne’s disappearance. The case began as a missing person file in Port Alberni before expanding to Nanaimo where her vehicle was discovered.

BC RCMP spokesperson S/Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said it doesn’t necessarily mean something serious has happened to Manthorne.

“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,” Shoihet said in a statement.

Port Alberni RCMP will take back the investigation if a criminal element is ruled out.

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Mounties also report Justin Hall, an ex-boyfriend who Manthorne was believed to be with, was located by police.

Search crews have been dispatched to Great Central Lake, northwest of Port Alberni, where the missing woman lived.

Mounties report Manthorne was last seen on Thursday, July 7 however her vehicle was later discovered south of Nanaimo over the weekend.

Investigators are conducting interviews and collecting video footage from areas where the vehicle she owns may have been.

Search and Rescue teams have also been called in to assist in searching particular areas but have so far come up empty.

Anyone with information can call Alberni RCMP at 250 723 2424.

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