Saanich Police say a family reported missing last month have been located safe.
On Sept. 12, the department asked for help locating Bradley Cook, Melissa Trost and their two children who they believed to be travelling in B.C. or Alberta. Police say they were seeking information on the family’s whereabouts in order to assess their well-being.
The family themselves responded to the plea, telling media they were not missing at all. Saanich Police confirmed, shortly after, that the family wasn’t missing but that police wanted to locate them to “ensure the safety of the children.”
Saanich Police now say the family has been located and all members are safe. Const. Markus Anastasiades, public information officer for the Saanich police, said the investigation is closed.
“Investigators have now concluded this investigation and no further information will be released at this time.”
***
(Original release)
On Saturday (Sept. 12), the Saanich Police Department said it was attempting to locate a local family that was believed to be travelling in B.C. or Alberta. According to police, Bradley Michael Cook, 42, Melissa Renee Trost, 40, and their two young children (ages two and four), had planned to return to Victoria on Sept. 4 but had not been seen.
In a written statement on Monday afternoon, Const. Markus Anastasiades, public information officer for the Saanich police, emphasized that the family was not missing but instead that police are working to confirm their whereabouts and “ensure the safety of the children.”
“Over the weekend, Mr. Cook is believed to have contacted several media agencies explaining that he and his family were not missing,” Anastasiades said.
READ ALSO: Family of four, focus of Saanich police missing persons case, claims they aren’t missing
Since calling on the public for information about the family’s location, Saanich police have received several tips from residents. Police are still seeking information to assist with the investigation.
“The focus of this matter continues to be on the safety and well-being of the children, whom we believe are in the care of Bradley Cook and Melissa Trost,” he said.
Do you have a story tip? Email: vnc.editorial@blackpress.ca.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.
