The man Stephanie Patterson was with has been found and another has been arrested in connection to their missing persons' case.
But the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) councillor is still unaccounted for, Coquitlam RCMP explained in an update today (Aug. 15), and are appealing to the public once more for help.
Spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins said the community is becoming more concerned for Patterson's well-being and Mounties are exploring every lead.
"It is extremely unusual for Stephanie to leave unannounced and not contact her friends and family," she said as Mounties have released updated surveillance images of the 44-year-old (see above).
"Police continue to consider a variety of investigational avenues, including the possibility of foul play."
Patterson was reported missing last Friday night (Aug. 11) as she had not been seen since she and 57-year-old David Hall left a home on the Kwikweltem reserve at ƛ̓éxətəm road (formerly Colony Farm Road) and Lougheed Highway.
Hall has since been found, as well as the 2019 white Honda Ridgeline they were believed to be travelling in together.
The vehicle was last seen at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 in the Meadow Vale Shopping Centre (19080 Lougheed Hwy.) in Pitt Meadows.
Details of the man who was arrested are not being released until charges are laid, Hodgins explained.
Patterson is described as:
- Indigenous female
- 5'2"
- Slim build
- Medium-length brown hair
- Hazel eyes
- Believed to be wearing....
- Purple shirt with blue flowers
- Blue jeans
- Brown backpack
Patterson was elected to KFN council in March along with fellow councillor George Chaffee and Chief Ron Giesbrecht.
A KFN spokesperson declined to comment when asked by the Tri-City News about the police investigation.
Anyone with information about their disappearance is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-21526, anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.
- with files from Janis Cleugh, Tri-City News
