A 23-year-old Nanaimo man who was reported missing earlier this month has been found dead near Highway 19A.
Police are treating the incident as a criminal investigation.
Nanaimo RCMP confirmed that Mahadi Redwan, who was the subject of a missing person appeal on November 5th, was located deceased on November 12th near the southbound lanes of Highway 19A between Turner Road and Mostar Road.
Police now believe the circumstances surrounding Redwan’s death took place in that same area at around 8:15 p.m. on the evening of November 2nd.
On Wednesday afternoon, one southbound lane of Highway 19A in that stretch of road was closed as officers carried out an investigation. At the time, RCMP said there was no risk to the public and did not release details about what they were looking into.
That closure has now been connected to the search for Redwan, who was last seen on surveillance video at the Thrifty Foods on Turner Road at 8 p.m. on November 2nd.
A colleague later went to pick him up at his home to drive him to Courtenay, but he was not there when they arrived. His family reported him missing on November 5th, saying his disappearance was out of character.
RCMP say Redwan’s death is now being investigated as a criminal matter. They believe it was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing risk to public safety.
Investigators are asking anyone who was travelling through the area of Highway 19A between Turner Road and Mostar Road around 8:15 p.m. on November 2nd to contact police, particularly drivers who may have dashcam footage from that night.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
