Police are warning the public after a “violent and dangerous” robbery suspect escaped police custody at the Toronto General Hospital.
Toronto police said Justin Yates, 39, escaped while being held at the hospital just before 6 p.m. Thursday.
Const. Jenniferjit Sidhu said Friday police are continuing their search for Yates and are warning the public not to approach him if spotted, but instead to call 911 immediately.
READ MORE: Escaped serial rapist David Maracle arrested in Cornwall, Ont.
Police alleged Yates had broken into a business in the Queen Street West and Bay Street area on Jan. 12 and stole property worth more than $100,000.
Yates was charged with break-and-enter and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 earlier this month.
Police described the suspect as standing 5’9″, weighing 200 pounds, with a beard, moustache and numerous tattoos. He was wearing black track pants and a black shirt at the time of his disappearance.
Const. David Hopkinson said in a tweet Thursday night Yates was last seen getting into a taxi and was dropped off in the Yonge Street and Dundas Street area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).