Based on coverage from Global News and CBC.
An Alert Ready emergency alert went out across New Brunswick on Friday, warning people not to pick up hitchhikers and to stay alert as RCMP search for an inmate who escaped from the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre in Shediac.
RCMP say Todd John Lewis, 35, got out around 5:20 p.m. Thursday by jumping or climbing a fence, then ran on foot toward Route 15. Police say he may be armed and dangerous.
New Brunswick inmate escape near Shediac
The escape happened at the provincial jail in Shediac, about 25 kilometres northeast of Moncton. RCMP say Lewis ran toward Route 15 after getting over the fence.
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Public Safety said Lewis’s absence was later confirmed during routine procedures. The department says staff activated security protocols right away and notified RCMP, and it is fully co-operating with the search.
RCMP timeline and Alert Ready message
RCMP say they were advised of the escape at 12:28 a.m. Friday, more than six hours after Lewis left the facility. Patrols were launched, but he wasn’t located.
CBC reports police initially suggested an Alert Ready message would only go out if there was new information about public risk. An alert was still issued at 12:19 p.m. Friday, roughly 18 hours after the escape. Cpl. Hans Ouellette told CBC the delay was tied to investigators assessing whether the situation met the criteria for an emergency alert.
Description of Todd John Lewis
RCMP describe Lewis as five feet seven inches tall and about 146 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing blue pants, a brown coat, and a black hat or bonnet.
Police say he could be in the Shediac area or the Greater Moncton area, where they believe he has contacts.
Public safety warning in Greater Moncton
RCMP are asking people not to approach Lewis and not to pick up hitchhikers. They also warn residents they may see air patrols and police dog teams in and around Shediac as the search continues.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or contact New Brunswick RCMP at 1-888-506-RCMP (7267).
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