The Carlyle RCMP is continuing its investigation into the disappearance of Ruby Barnes, as the three-month anniversary of her disappearance approaches.
Barnes was last seen at a business in the 200-block of Main Street in Carlyle at approximately 9:30 a.m. on June 18. Barnes was reported missing to the RCMP later that day.
Staff Sgt. Darren Simons with the Carlyle RCMP said there was an extensive search earlier this week in the area where her cell phone was last pinged. RCMP and civilian searchers from the Broadview, Esterhazy and Carlyle detachments searched in the Round Lake area north of Whitewood for a full day, but did not find anything relevant to her file.
“They do it in a co-ordinated approach,” said Simons. “They don’t just go willy-nilly all over. They actually have specific areas to search. I know our one member, she was sent to a specific area, searched that, came back and then was sent to another area. They just wanted to make sure they covered all the areas off.”
The RCMP continues to receive calls about her disappearance. There is a lot of interest regarding her case, particularly from her family and friends, and the RCMP continues to follow up on any information they receive.
The number of tips has slowed down.
“When we get tips, we liaise with our specialized sections, we liaise with member detachments, so there’s something always happening,” said Simons.
Any tips are followed up immediately.
“One of our biggest assistants is video. If somebody believes they saw her at a location, we can often get some video from that location from the business, and then we can use that video to determine if that is or isn’t Ruby Barnes, and so far they have all determined it was not her.”
The Carlyle RCMP usually dedicates time to the file at least once per day.
Barnes, 64, is described as Caucasian, standing five-foot-eight and weighing 135 pounds. She has grey hair.
When she was last seen, Barnes was wearing black pants and a black top with a white abstract design on the front. She was carrying a black purse, had her hair in a ponytail and was wearing glasses.
Anyone with information regarding Barnes’ whereabouts is asked to call Carlyle RCMP at 306-453-6707, their local police service, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
