Port Alberni RCMP have made an arrest in the killing of a 20-year-old man found dead outside the Port Alberni Friendship Centre in late March.
The body of Clifton Alec Johnston, of Port Alberni and Ahousaht, was found outside the centre in the 3500-block of Fourth Avenue on March 27 about 7:15 a.m.
The suspect is not being identified, as charges have not yet been approved, police said. It’s believed the suspect knew Johnston.
Police are also looking for a witness who first discovered Johnston’s body. The man was walking southbound on the east sidewalk of Fourth Avenue around 7:15 a.m.
He was dressed in black and did not leave his contact information, police said. Investigators believe he might have information that is crucial to the investigation.
Johnston’s death had an impact in Port Alberni and beyond, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council said in a statement.
“We lost a 20-year-old man who still had a world of living to do. We know he was valued and loved by many. We are told he had a gentle spirit and would never hurt a soul. He had a life of potential ahead and that was taken from him as a result of violence,” said tribal council president Judith Sayers.
RCMP are asking the witness or anyone who believes they know who he is to contact Sgt. Clayton Wiebe at 250-723-2424.