Major crime detectives are leading the investigation into the “suspicious disappearance” of a young woman on Vancouver Island, according to local police. Melissa Harper was last known to be in Qualicum Beach on Oct. 21, and was reported missing that day, according to a joint statement issued Tuesday by Oceanside RCMP and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit. Police said the 18-year-old “has ties to both the Lower Mainland and Alberta,” and both investigators and her family are concerned for her health and well-being. “The circumstances of her disappearance are suspicious,” said Cpl. Alex Bérubé, in the statement. “For this reason, the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation.” Police did not share any details about the suspicious circumstances. They shared a photo of Harper with the statement, describing the teen as standing 5′4″ tall and weighing 110 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Mounties asked anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact their local police or the VIIMCU information line, which can be reached at 250-380-6211.
