RCMP still searching for Vancouver Island father, 7-year-old daughter

Mounties on Vancouver Island are asking people in B.C. and beyond to be on the lookout for a man and his seven-year-old daughter who were reported missing on Sunday. According to police, on Jan. 20, a Victoria court ordered Jesse Bennet to return Violet to her mother.

The North Cowichan RCMP issued a statement Monday asking the public to help them in their search for Jesse Bennet and his daughter Violet, missing from the Duncan area.

To date, police and family have not been able to make contact with Jesse or Violet Bennet. We believe that Jesse Bennet is actively evading police and is in breach of the custody order, said Sgt. Trevor Busch.

https://twitter.com/N_CowichanRCMP/status/1485781290460667904

On Tuesday, Staff Sergeant Janelle Shoihet said the search is ongoing.

“We are continuing to follow leads and tips that we have been receiving. We don’t have a definitive location as to where they may be traveling as such we are continuing to appeal to the public, all over BC and beyond,” she wrote in an email.

An Amber Alert has not been issued in this case because “there are strict criteria which are required to be met before issuing an Amber Alert, including a belief that the child is in danger,” Shoihet explained.

“At this point we do not believe that Violet’s father would put her in danger, but we need public assistance to locate them.”

According to the RCMP, an Amber Alert can be issued in cases involving a child’s parent, but “it is not intended for cases involving parental abductions, except in life-threatening situations.”

Jesse Bennet is 36-years-old, 5’10”, 160 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair, he may be shaved or with a beard.

Violet Bennet is 7-years-old, approximately 4’ft tall, 50 to 60 pounds, with blue eyes and big natural curly hair.

If you have information about Jesse or Violet’s whereabouts you are asked to contact the police in your jurisdiction, or the North Cowichan RCMP at 250-748-5522.