The RCMP has charged a 20-year-old federal inmate who allegedly escaped from custody at the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital on Saturday while on a medical escorted temporary absence.
Douglas Bruno John was taken into custody in St. Paul, Alberta after a short pursuit in a stolen truck was ended by police on Highway 29.
“A short pursuit ensued and a few spike belts were deployed as a result. None of our officers were injured. The suspect truck did collide with the ditch,” Cpl. Ronald Bumbry said.
John fled from Fort Saskatchewan Hospital around 1:40 p.m. Saturday and made off in an unoccupied truck that had been left running at a nearby home.
He had been in custody at Edmonton Institution serving a sentence for armed robbery. The two guards who accompanied John received minor injuries in the incident and were treated at the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital.
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John has been charged with escaping lawful custody, assaulting a peace officer, theft of a truck, flight from a peace officer, assaulting a police officer and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
Correctional Service Canada Commissioner Don Head released a statement about the incident:
“I would like to thank our colleagues from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for their work and efforts that led to the rapid apprehension of the inmate.”
“The safety and security of Canadians is our number one priority. We are currently conducting a complete operational review to determine what led to this escape and our subsequent response.”
“We are also fully cooperating with the RCMP investigation into this matter.”
He is scheduled to appear in St. Paul Provincial Court March 9 and Fort Saskatchewan Provincial Court March 16.