York Regional Police are continuing to search for a missing Markham woman who has been missing for nearly a week since she was abducted.
Police said on Monday they had charged a suspect in connection with the disappearance of 57-year-old Zhang Ying.
“We are still searching for Ying Chan,” Officer James Dixon told CP24 on Tuesday. “She has not yet been located. Our homicide unit is still searching and officers are still conducting a video investigation.”
Zhang was last seen around 10:40 a.m. on July 25 in the area of Woodbine Avenue and Steelcase Road.
According to information obtained by CTV News Toronto, she worked at a wellness centre in a commercial plaza in the area and was reported missing by her family when she did not return home from work that evening.
At the time of Zhang’s disappearance, a white Ford van with license plate number BZ43851 and a large green bin on wheels were seen in the area.
Police said they had information that the van had traveled to Kirkfield, a village in the City of Kawartha Lakes, about 90 minutes northeast of Markham, on the same day that Zhang disappeared.
Police said Zhang is 5 feet 7 inches tall, of medium build, with straight, shoulder-length black and white hair.
“We are appealing for any other witnesses who saw this vehicle or the bin to come forward,” Dixon said.
Police said Monday that Changlin Yang, 26, of East Gwillimbury, Ont., has been charged with kidnapping, forcible confinement and aggravated assault in connection with Zhang’s disappearance.
Asked if police believe there were others involved in the kidnapping, Dixon said, “There is no indication that there are any outstanding individuals, but investigators will continue to investigate.”
The YRP Homicide Unit is investigating the incident and is assisting the OPP.
“Any time we work with partner agencies, we work together in terms of providing local knowledge and getting additional resources to assist with aviation support and search and rescue efforts,” Dixon said. “Yesterday afternoon, we began heading out to the scene to make an assessment regarding the continuation of the investigation.”
Police are urging anyone with information to contact police or call Crime Stoppers anonymously.
With files from Phil Tsekoulas and Courtney Heels
