Vancouver Island Police Search for Escaped Convicted Killer from Metchosin Prison

Based on coverage from CBC, The News, CHEK News, Times Colonist, Mirage News, and Victoria Buzz.

A noon count at William Head Institution turned into a public safety search after staff found 69-year-old inmate Ernest Egon Jensen was unaccounted for.

Jensen, who has been serving a life sentence for second-degree murder since 1991, is wanted on a warrant for being unlawfully at large. West Shore RCMP launched the search after the Correctional Service of Canada reported the incident at the minimum-security federal institution in Metchosin.

Missing From William Head

Correctional Service of Canada staff discovered Jensen was missing during the noon count at William Head Institution, a minimum-security federal prison in Metchosin.

The federal agency said it is investigating the circumstances of the incident. It also said it has provided police with available information to help locate and arrest Jensen.

The case has quickly moved beyond the prison grounds, with West Shore RCMP involved in the search and public warnings issued about what to do if Jensen is seen.

RCMP Search Underway

West Shore RCMP launched a search for Jensen, who is wanted on a warrant for being unlawfully at large.

Search efforts included patrols near William Head Institution. Police dog services and air patrols were also involved, according to reports from police and correctional authorities.

The public was warned not to approach Jensen. Police said anyone who sees him should call 911 or police immediately.

That warning is the clearest direction for residents near the institution: do not try to intervene, and contact authorities right away.

Description Released By Authorities

Jensen is described as five-foot-eight and about 228 pounds. He is bald, fair-complexioned and has brown eyes.

Authorities also described him as having a scar on his forehead and three missing fingers on his left hand.

Those identifying details were released as part of the effort to help police locate him. The warning to the public remained direct: if he is seen, do not approach.

Sentence And Criminal History

Jensen has been serving a life sentence for second-degree murder since 1991.

His criminal history also includes break and enter and trespassing.

Those details formed part of the public information released as police searched for him and Correctional Service of Canada reviewed how he became unaccounted for during the noon count.

Investigation Continues

Correctional Service of Canada said it is investigating the circumstances of the incident.

The agency also said it has provided police with the available information needed to help locate and arrest Jensen. West Shore RCMP, meanwhile, continued search efforts that included patrols near William Head Institution, police dog services and air patrols.

For the public, the message from police is simple and urgent: anyone who sees Ernest Egon Jensen should not approach him and should call 911 or police immediately.

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