Police across New Brunswick are searching for a 35-year-old inmate who escaped from the Southeast Regional Correctional Facility in Shediac on Thursday evening, prompting a province-wide emergency alert the following day.
According to RCMP, Todd John Lewis climbed a perimeter fence at approximately 5:20 p.m. before fleeing toward Route 15, a major roadway located about 25 kilometres northeast of Moncton.
Lewis is described as five feet seven inches tall and weighing roughly 146 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes. At the time of his escape, he was reportedly wearing blue pants, a brown coat and a black hat.
Authorities have warned the public not to approach him, stating that he may be armed and dangerous. Residents are being advised not to pick up hitchhikers and to immediately report suspicious activity.
Police said the escape was not reported to RCMP until nearly 12:30 a.m. Friday — more than six hours after it occurred. A public news release was issued later that morning at approximately 10:45 a.m.
RCMP noted that Lewis had previously faced weapons-related charges, although specific details were not provided. It remains unclear whether he was awaiting trial or serving a sentence at the time of his escape.
While officers initially stated that an Alert Ready message would only be issued if new information heightened the public risk, an emergency alert was ultimately broadcast across New Brunswick at 12:19 p.m. Friday. Police later said the decision was made due to the duration of the incident.
Anyone with information regarding Lewis’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact New Brunswick RCMP at 1-888-506-RCMP (7267).
Original reporting available via CBC News .
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