Nanaimo RCMP are continuing their search for 72-year-old John Richard (Rick) Larsen who was last seen on the morning of October 25th and has not been heard from since.
Police say he walked away from his home in the early morning and has not yet returned – something that is unusual for him.
The search so far has involved resources from Nanaimo RCMP, Search and Rescue, and Air Services, who have looked for him on the shoreline along Haliburton St, local parks and Westwood Lake, where Larsen liked to go hiking.
A door-to-door search was also conducted, augmented by search dogs and bicycles that helped rescue teams cover terrain in parks, paths, and trails scattered throughout Nanaimo.
“Investigators have been unable to find anything to indicate where Mr. Larsen may have ventured to,” said Cst. Gary O’Brien.
“As a result, NSAR have ceased their search efforts but are prepared to reconvene at short notice, if there are any positive developments in the investigation.”
Larsen is described as a white male, clean shaven, standing 6’2″ tall and weighing about 230 lbs. He may be wearing a black hat, black backpack, and blue jeans, and is an avid hiker who walks over 10km per day.
Police are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com
