UPDATE, June 4: The New Brunswick RCMP say they have located remains during their investigation into the whereabouts of Jamie Leard. More information is available here.
The disappearance of a local man last week is being investigated by the RCMP Major Crime Unit, with assistance from the Nova Scotia RMCP, according to a release by the police agency Wednesday morning.
Jamie Leard was last seen a week ago, and was reported missing by his family on Friday, May 28.
Police say that his vehicle, a silver 2012 Mazda 3, was discovered abandoned on Main Street in Springhill, N.S., also on Friday, May 28.
The New Brunswick RCMP release says, “information gathered during the course of the investigation has led police to believe criminality may have been involved in [Leard’s] disappearance.”
Yesterday, CHMA reported on a plea for information from Leard’s cousin, Aliesha Stright. Leard “always called”, she says, and although the RCMP did not issue a missing person notice, family and friends have been circulating his photo on social media, in search of information.
“If there’s anything you see, call the RCMP,” says Stright. “His mother is worried sick, she’s hardly eating and sleeping,” she says, adding that even if he’s “hiding and doesn’t want to be found”, she hopes he will let someone know he’s alive.
Leard lives with friends between Port Elgin and Cape Tormentine, and works at a nearby potato farm. He rides his ATV in the area, and owns two of the vehicles, both of which are still at his home, says Stright.
On Tuesday, police tape went up around Leard’s home, and a roommate of Leard’s was run over by a car, says Stright.
Jamie Leard is described as being 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 264 pounds. He has blonde hair, blue eyes, a full beard and wears prescription glasses, according to the RCMP release.