British Columbia

Major crime unit called in to assist in case of missing Port Alberni woman Amber Manthorne

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is now leading the search for Manthorne who was last seen July 7.

Manthorne was last seen July 7. Her white Jeep was found beside a logging road south of Nanaimo two days later

A blonde woman stands beside a white SUV.
Police handout photo of Amber Manthorne. (Port Alberni RCMP)

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) has been called in to assist in the case of missing Port Alberni woman Amber Manthorne. 

Manthorne was last seen on Thursday, July 7, and is described as approximately five feet one inch tall, slim, with blond hair.

Her 2021 Jeep Compass was found on the side of a logging road south of Nanaimo on July 9. 

Police now say the man she was thought to be with has been located. 

"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, the officer in charge of VIIMCU. 

Manthorne's Jeep was found beside a logging road south of Nanaimo on July 9th. (submitted to CBC)

Area search and rescue teams have been called in to assist in the search.

The Tseshaht First Nation organized a community get-together Sunday to raise awareness about the missing woman.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250 723-2424.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karin Larsen

@CBCLarsen

Karin Larsen is a former Olympian and award winning sports broadcaster who covers news and sports for CBC Vancouver.