Police search underway at Mount Tzouhalem near Duncan as public told to avoid trails (UPDATED)

UPDATE: The active police search in the Mount Tzouhalem and Maple Bay areas has ended. RCMP say there is no current risk to the public and trails may be used normally.

Police have not yet located the 36-year-old woman and continue to ask anyone with information about her whereabouts to call North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at (250) 748-5522. Call 911 to report an active sighting requiring an immediate police response.

— original:

A large police search is underway near Mount Tzouhalem and Maple Bay in Duncan, with the public being asked to avoid all trails in the area.

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said officers are attempting to locate a 36-year-old woman described as 5’4” tall, approximately 180 pounds, with long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing black pants and either a black or blue hoodie.

The RCMP Emergency Response Team, Air Services and Police Dog Services have been deployed to assist with the search.

Police said they believe the incident is isolated.

While officers continue to assess any potential risk, investigators said they have no information indicating that a risk to the public is imminent or ongoing.

Photos circulating on social media appear to show a woman carrying what looks like a long gun. However, RCMP have not confirmed that the woman they are searching for is armed or that the images depict the person officers are attempting to locate.

In a Facebook post, the Cowichan Valley School District said it is aware of the large police presence in the Maple Bay neighbourhood. As of Wednesday morning, RCMP had not advised Maple Bay Elementary to alter its day, according to the district.

The public is being asked not to approach police search teams and to follow any directions given by officers.

Anyone who sees the woman, or who may have seen her in the Mount Tzouhalem or Maple Bay area Wednesday, is asked to call 911 immediately or contact North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at (250) 748-5522.