Search continues for Chase Martens

Details

Published on Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Photo courtesy RCMP media release. Chase Martens

RCMP Media Release:

8:30 pm update:

Earlier in the evening, an RCMP aircraft was on scene helping with the search for Chase Martens. The search continues, with no new updates from the RCMP. 

4:38 pm update:

The search continues at this time for Chase Martens. Hundreds of volunteers remain at the scene, searching nearby fields. Air support from Winnipeg police and the RCMP also remains in the area.

A line of volunteers search a nearby field for Chase Martens. Photo property of John Dietz.

1:47 pm update:

During a media update on the scene Wednesday morning, RCMP spokesperson Sgt Bert Paquet said that the missing boy was last seen at around 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Mar. 22, playing outside of his residence.

“Officers immediately engaged in a search, supported by police dog services, volunteers from several local fire departments including Austin Fire Department. Air One from the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP air service airplane as well, have been out actively looking for Chase since yesterday evening and continue to do so today,” said Paquet. “There are over 300 searchers, as we speak, looking for Chase. We’re asking anyone with information to immediately contact their police jurisdiction with any information, no matter how insignificant it may appear. We’re looking for any tip that will help us bring Chase home.”

12:40 pm update:

Hundreds of volunteers have showed up to assist with the search for Chase Martens near the area of Highway 34 and Austin. The province has asked for no more volunteers at this time in the search for the missing boy. RCMP are expected to provide an update on the situation shortly.

Original search details 8:37 am:

On March 22, 2016, Portage la Prairie RCMP received a report of a missing 2 year old boy who was last seen at approximately 6:00 pm that evening playing outside near his residence. As of 8:30 am on March 23, he is still missing.

Chase Martens is described as 2.5 feet tall, 30 lbs, blue eyes, light brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket, black splash pants, a red hat and boots that light up as he walks.

Officers supported by Police Dog Services, volunteers from the Austin Fire Department and Air One from the Winnipeg Police Service have been out actively searching since the report was received.

Over 200 searchers were involved in efforts overnight to locate the missing boy and the search continue this morning.

The RCMP is asking members of the public travelling in the area of Highway 34 and Austin to be on the lookout for the missing boy.

Anyone with information is asked to immediately contact their local police department.

Photo courtesy @rcmp.mb