RCMP ask for possible video footage as search for 10-year-old boy continues in North Preston (update)

Those who do not live or work in North Preston are being asked to avoid the area as crews search for Ashayo Johnson

CITYnews\ Meghan Groff

Listen to this article

Those who do not live or work in North Preston are being asked to avoid the area as the search continues for missing 10-year-old Ashayo Johnson. The boy was last seen in the community on Tuesday.

RCMP are also are asking anyone who may have been in the Downey Rd. area between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 to contact them if they have any video footage, including CCTV or from a dash-cam.

Ashayo is described as Black, four feet tall, 75 pounds with dark hair and eyes.

He was last seen wearing a blue puffy jacket with black sweat pants and light blue sneakers.

Cpl. Lisa Croteau of the Halifax District RCMP told the Canadian Press there’s no evidence at this time to suggest the child has been abducted.

A multi-agency search continues Wednesday afternoon involving officers, police dogs, ground search and rescue crews and a Department of Natural Resources helicopter.

In addition police have set up check points and are canvassing the neighbourhood.

“We are fully engaged and working closely with Ashayo’s family to find Ashayo safely and as quickly as possible,” said Sgt. Dave Legge of the RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division in a news release.

“I want to thank ground search and rescue crews for being exceptional partners in the search for Ashayo, and the community of North Preston for their full cooperation and support.”

An emergency alert for the boy was issued by RCMP Wednesday morning.

Police say the decision was made based on Ashayo’s age along with the weather conditions. A rainfall warning is currently in effect with 50 to 75 mm possible, along with strong wind gusts.

“No piece of information is too small and we urge anyone who may have any information on the whereabouts of Ashayo Johnson to contact Halifax District RCMP at 902-490-5020,” Mounties said in a news release.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

With files from the Canadian Press