Police in St. Thomas, Ontario, have significantly increased their presence at the Dalewood Conservation Area as the search continues for a 50-year-old local man who has been missing for more than a week. Authorities are urging residents to stay away from the area while specialized search teams comb through the landscape in an effort to locate him.
Ruhiwra Nzabonimpa, who also goes by the name Ruhirwa, was reported missing on November 18 after last being seen in the early morning hours along Rice Road. Since then, local law enforcement, regional authorities, and specialized recovery teams have worked steadily to uncover any trace of his whereabouts.
The search intensified over the weekend as investigators expanded efforts into conservation areas known to contain bodies of water and heavily wooded terrain—areas that pose both natural challenges and heightened concern for search crews.
Police Step Up Search Efforts at Dalewood Conservation Area
St. Thomas Police Service confirmed that a heightened police presence was visible at the Dalewood Conservation Area on Saturday as officers continued their coordinated search operations. The conservation area, located near Dalewood Drive and Water Tower Line, contains dense vegetation and water features that require specialized resources and advanced planning.
Given the area’s landscape, police made the decision to involve the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Underwater Search and Recovery Team. The unit specializes in underwater search operations and is often deployed in cases where water may be a factor in a person’s disappearance.
Authorities have not released specific details about the nature of the findings or whether any new evidence has been uncovered, but confirmed that the search operation is active and ongoing.
Members of the public have been advised to avoid the conservation area while police and search teams continue their work. Law enforcement officials emphasized that public presence could unintentionally interfere with search procedures or compromise safety in the area.
“We are asking everyone to avoid Dalewood Conservation Area while we conduct our search,” St. Thomas Police stated. “Our priority is to ensure the safety and integrity of the operation and to locate Mr. Nzabonimpa as soon as possible.”
Last Known Sighting of Ruhiwra Nzabonimpa
Ruhiwra Nzabonimpa was last seen in St. Thomas on November 18, at approximately 4:30 a.m., in the area of Rice Road. After that point, communication with family, friends, or acquaintances ceased, raising alarm and resulting in a missing persons report being filed to local authorities.
Family members reportedly grew concerned when he did not return home or respond to messages, an unusual departure from his normal routine. Police have not indicated whether foul play is suspected, but the length of time that he has been missing has heightened concerns.
As the days passed without any confirmed sightings, officials expanded the search radius and increased investigative measures, leading them to the Dalewood Conservation Area.
Description of the Missing Man
Police have issued a detailed description of Mr. Nzabonimpa in an effort to gather assistance from the public. He is described as:
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A Black male
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Approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall
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Lean build
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Around 50 years old
At the time he was last seen, he was reportedly wearing:
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Work boots
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Dark pants
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A dark, leather-like jacket
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A grey hoodie
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A dark ball cap
In addition, investigators released a photograph of a man believed to be Nzabonimpa on November 20, 2025, in hopes that someone in the community might recognize him or remember seeing him.
Authorities are encouraging residents to check any home surveillance, doorbell cameras, or business footage from the early hours of November 18 that might reveal new clues.
OPP Underwater Team Joins Search Operation
The involvement of the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Team underscores the seriousness and expanded scope of the investigation. The team is equipped with advanced dive and scanning equipment capable of examining underwater environments, including ponds, streams, and retention areas that are difficult to reach by traditional search methods.
Dalewood Conservation Area includes water features that could be dangerous, especially during colder months when temperatures drop and visibility is poor. Police have not confirmed whether the man is believed to have entered the water, but the precautionary step reflects thorough planning and a wide-ranging approach.
Search teams have been methodically examining sections of land and water using a grid pattern, ensuring that no area is overlooked. K9 units, drones, and volunteers may also be utilized if the operation expands further.
Weather conditions, terrain visibility, and daylight hours all play a role in determining how and when searches can be conducted, and authorities have said they will continue operation as long as conditions remain safe and productive.
Community Urged to Remain Alert and Report Sightings
Police are calling on the public to participate in the search by remaining alert and reporting any information that could assist investigators. Even small details can be important in missing persons cases, particularly when a timeline needs to be reconstructed.
Residents in the St. Thomas area are asked to think back to November 18 and consider whether they may have seen someone matching the description walking, standing, or travelling in the area.
Anyone who may possess relevant information is urged to contact the St. Thomas Police Service directly at 519-631-1224.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers for those who wish to share information discreetly.
“Any piece of information, no matter how small it seems, could be critical in helping bring this search to a resolution,” police emphasized.
The wider community has also been encouraged to share the police-issued photo and description through social media channels in order to expand awareness and increase the chances of a new lead coming forward.
Earlier Search Conducted in Nearby Area
Saturday’s search follows an earlier police operation that took place on Friday near Dalewood Drive and Water Tower Line. That initial search did not result in a confirmed sighting, but it provided investigators with valuable information regarding the terrain and potential points of interest in the surrounding area.
Officials say the expanded presence and continued investigation are based on careful analysis of the information received so far. Though the process is slow and demanding, police remain committed to following every possible lead.
The conservation area remains under close watch for any new signs that could hint at Mr. Nzabonimpa’s location.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Support
Cases of missing individuals often have a deep emotional impact on the local community, and St. Thomas residents have expressed growing concern and support for the family involved. While authorities work behind the scenes to collect evidence and conduct thorough searches, loved ones await answers and closure.
Community members have been lighting candles and sending messages of hope online, demonstrating just how serious and personal these incidents become in small towns.
