What began as a missing persons’ file with the Surrey RCMP is now in the investigative hands of Delta Police.
On March 2, Surrey RCMP started a missing person investigation centred on locating 14-year-old Joseph Chen who was reported missing after leaving Holy Cross School in the area of 162nd St and 88th Ave.
On March 8, as a result of information learned during the investigation, the file has been transferred to the DPD as the lead investigative agency.
“This transition is consistent with provincial policy guiding missing persons’ investigations,” said an update issued by DPD on its Facebook page Thursday afternoon. “While the DPD and the Surrey RCMP have been working collectively since the onset of this investigation, all tips and information regarding Joseph’s whereabouts should now be directed to the DPD.”
Police say Chen left school on March 2 and boarded a BC transit bus and disembarked the bus on Annacis Island.
CCTV footage has placed him on the Alex Fraser Bridge walking southbound on the east sidewalk. CCTV shortly after that sighting determined that he was no longer on the sidewalk.
He has not used his Compass Card, cell phone, or bank card since March 2.
He is described as an Asian male, 5’6” tall, 123 pounds, with shoulder-length black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a khaki jacket with brown pajama pants featuring teddy bears on the pant legs.
Investigators are seeking dash camera video or witnesses who may have seen him on the Alex Fraser Bridge on March between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Contact the Delta Police with any information at 604-946-4411 and quote file number 2023-5513.
