Search for missing Mount Allison student expands

RCMP have expanded their search for a missing Mount Allison University student to a wooded area in Upper Sackville and called in the canine unit.

Christopher Metallic, 20,was last seen in Sackville early Sunday morning, following a party.

Police and Tri-County Ground Search and Rescue volunteers moved their efforts on Wednesday after receiving information thata person was seen walking on the Upper Aboujagne Road at about 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, said Cpl. Chantal Farrah.

They are now searching a wooded area off of Route 940, heading toward Shemogue, she said.

The RCMP helicopter and police dog are assisting in the search, Farrah said.

Mount Allison University students and faculty members also went door to door in the town on Tuesday night.

"It was very important that we go out and just remind homeowners to make sure that they're checking their propertycheck that shed at the back of your property, check, if your property is treed, just go out there and check, just so that we're covering all bases," said Ron Byrne, the vice-president of international and student affairs.

The university also held a vigil for Metallic on Tuesday night and lita candle for him in the university's chapel, said Byrne.

Metallic's brother, first-year student Spencer Isaac, is happy to have the support.

"It's overwhelming and it's great, I feel everyone's been amazing here the town, the university, his friends, their friends."

Isaac says he and his parents, who drove up from their home in Listuguj First Nation in Quebec, to help with the search, are doing as well as can be expected as they wait for any word on Metallic's whereabouts.

RCMP have confirmed Metallic was at a house party on Allison Street on Saturday night and left without his shoes or his cellphone.

There are unconfirmed reports he was last seen on Sunday at about 3 a.m. at Home Alone Pizza, formerly known as A-1 Pizza, on Main Street,RCMP have said.

Metallicis described as being aboriginal, six feet tall, 180 pounds, with short dark hair and glasses.

He was last seen wearing a shiny bright blue sweater, jeans and possibly flip flops.

Anyone with information is asked to call RCMP 1-888-506-7267 (RCMP).