UPDATE: Nanaimo RCMP say the youth has been has been located and is safe and sound.
Nanaimo RCMP want a missing 13-year-old boy to know that he is not in trouble.
Ben Steven was last seen by family members Monday, Jan. 9, and was reported missing to police Wednesday, Jan. 11, according to a press release. His disappearance is out of character for him and as a result, his family is extremely concerned for his safety and well-being, police said.
The Nanaimo RCMP school liaison unit members have been actively involved in the search, but to date they have had no success in locating him.
“Investigators want Ben to know that he is not in trouble and that the police, his family and friends are all looking for him because they are all concerned for his safety and want him to return home,” said reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson.
The boy is 5-foot-5 with a slim build, blond hair and blue eyes. No clothing description was provided and he does not carry a cell phone. Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file No. 2023-1171.
