Police issued arrest warrant for father accused of abducting daughter on Vancouver Island

RCMP have issued an arrest warrant for a man accused of abducting his daughter on Vancouver Island nearly two months ago.

Jesse Bennett, 36, and his daughter Violet, 7, have been missing from the North Cowichan/Duncan area since Jan. 23.

The pair disappeared three days after a judgeordered Bennett to return Violet to her mother under a joint custody agreement, according to police.

A statement at the time said officers believe Bennet was "actively evading police."

Now, the courts have issued a warrant for Bennett's arrest. RCMP on Wednesday said Bennettis wanted for abduction in contraventionof a custody order.

"Investigators have now gathered sufficient evidence to recommend a criminal charge against Jesse," police said ina statement.

Bennett is described as white, fivefeet 10 inches tall and 160 pounds. Police said he hasblue eyes and brown hair as well as a beard. He might be wearing a hat or have shaved hishead.

Violet is described as white, roughly four feet tall and 50 to 60 pounds. She has blue eyes and "big natural curly hair," according to the statement.

Anyone withinformation about Bennett or Violet's whereabouts is asked to contact their local police or North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.