Sask. First Nation organizing search party for missing community member
A Saskatchewan First Nation is organizing a massive search for a northern man who went missing in Prince Albert.
Dominic Custer, a 27-year-old from Deschambeault Lake, has been missing since last week.
Custer, also known by his nickname "ChooChoo Man," was last seen in the early hours of June 8 at 200 River Street East in Prince Albert, according to a news release from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN).
Peter Ballantyne is organizing the search and has set up an emergency operations centre to coordinate volunteers.
Over 40 people have joined the search efforts so far, alongside support from the Prince Albert police, the fire department, and other provincial and federal agencies.
PBCN's emergency services manager Duane Hiebert said mother nature placed some obstacles in the way of their search on Thursday.
"The weather's not cooperating today," he said.
A search and rescue crew from Stanley Mission was down with their boats on the water Thursday, but the wind and rain was getting in their way, and Hiebert said the rain put their ground search on hold.
"When the rain stops, the ground search will be going back out and continuing on tomorrow, weather permitting," he said.
The crew of volunteers at the emergency operations centre in Prince Albert. (Courtesy: PBCN)
Peter Ballantyne's leadership is asking the public to come forward with information that might be helpful to the search.
"We are deeply concerned for Dominic's safety and well-being," said Chief Peter Beatty.
"Our community is coming together to support the search, and we urge anyone with information to come forward."
At the time of disappearance, Custer was wearing a black hat, black/white sweater, and dark blue jeans, according to the Prince Albert Police Service.
“He is described as five-foot four in height, 140 pounds, slim build, dark brown shoulder length wavy/curl hair, brown eyes, and has a tattoo on left forearm (peace symbol) and right forearm (blunt image),” Prince Albert police said.
Police believe Custer is still in Prince Albert. They’re asking people to report any sightings or information to them.
-With files from Rory MacLean
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