MERRITT, B.C. — B.C. RCMP have confirmed the ground search for Merritt-area rancher Ben Tyner has resumed Wednesday (Apr. 10).
E-Division Media Relations Officer Sgt. Janelle Shoihet says now that the snow has melted, searchers are resuming their hunt for the 32-year-old manager of Nicola Ranch.
Tyner was reported missing on Jan. 28, when his rider-less horse was discovered on a logging road off Highway 97 near Winnie Flats.
Initially, police said they had no information suggesting Tyner’s disappearance was suspicious, but the Southeast District Major Crimes Unit was brought in to assist with the investigation.
However, last month RCMP said the man’s disappearance is being looked into as suspicious.
Today, (April 10), RCMP were scouring a neighbouring property along Monck Park Road, just down from the Nicola Ranch.
“We’re going to go back and start looking at the places that we started at,” explains, Sgt. Shoihet, “Particularly the Nicola Ranch. See what that leads us to and then make determinations after we have exhausted all the opportunities there.”
While on scene, CFJC Today saw more than 20 officers turning over soil and searching fields in the area on foot, while the police helicopter got a look from above.
“RCMP are out there. They’re being supported by the tactical troupe, police dog services, air services are also out there, investigators from the Major Crime Unit, and then the Merritt RCMP Detachment.”
Sgt. Shoihet says police are still hoping for any dash cam footage from January 26th, and ask for anyone with information to turn it over to investigators at the Southeast District Major Crime Unit, or Merritt RCMP.
