PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan — A 30-year-old inmate escaped from custody during a routine transport from the Saskatchewan Penitentiary here on Friday, sparking an immediate police search across the region and raising questions about security protocols at federal correctional facilities.
According to a news release from Correctional Service Canada issued on Monday, Keiston Custer absconded from lawful custody on February 20 while being transported by staff from the medium-security prison in Prince Albert. The agency notified local law enforcement right away, including the Prince Albert Police Service and the Prince Albert detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A warrant has since been issued for Custer's arrest, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information on his whereabouts.
Custer, who stands five feet 10 inches tall and weighs 181 pounds, has a medium complexion, brown eyes, and black hair. He is currently serving a sentence of 10 years and two days for charges including manslaughter using a firearm, rioting, and possession of property obtained by crime valued over $5,000. Details on the exact circumstances of the escape remain limited, but Correctional Service Canada stated it is conducting an internal investigation into how the incident occurred.
The escape was first publicly announced via a tweet from the Correctional Service Canada's English-language account on February 23. "Keiston Custer has escaped from Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan," the post read. "Anyone who has information is asked to contact the Prince Albert detachment of Royal Canadian Mounted Police. More information will follow." The tweet included an image, likely a photo of Custer, though specifics on its content were not detailed in the release.
Prince Albert, a city of about 37,000 residents located roughly 400 kilometers north of Saskatoon, has long been home to the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, which houses inmates serving federal sentences. The facility, part of the broader network managed by Correctional Service Canada, has a history dating back to the late 19th century and focuses on rehabilitation programs alongside security measures. Escapes from such institutions are rare but can draw significant attention due to the potential risks to public safety.
In this case, the transport was routine, officials said, but the breach has prompted a multi-agency response. The RCMP and local police have canvassed areas around the prison and along possible escape routes, though no confirmed sightings of Custer have been reported as of Tuesday evening. "We are working closely with our partners to locate Mr. Custer as quickly as possible," a spokesperson for Correctional Service Canada told reporters, emphasizing the priority placed on apprehending the fugitive.
Custer's criminal history, as outlined in court records referenced by the agency, stems from incidents in the early 2010s that involved violent confrontations and property crimes. The manslaughter charge, in particular, involved the use of a firearm during an altercation that resulted in a fatality, according to sentencing details. While serving his time, Custer had been participating in various programs at the penitentiary, though it's unclear if any factors related to his classification contributed to the transport at that time.
Correctional Service Canada has not released specifics on the transport vehicle or the number of staff involved, citing the ongoing investigation. However, the agency assured the public that no other inmates were affected and that enhanced security measures are in place at the facility. "The safety of our staff, inmates, and the community remains our top priority," the news release stated.
Local residents in Prince Albert expressed a mix of concern and caution in interviews following the announcement. "It's unsettling to think someone like that could be out there," said Maria Lopez, a mother of two who lives near the prison outskirts. "We trust the police to handle it, but it's a reminder of why these places are here." Others noted the prison's role in the community, providing jobs and contributing to local services, but stressed the need for vigilance.
The incident comes amid broader discussions in Canada about federal corrections, including staffing shortages and the challenges of managing transports between facilities. In recent years, similar escapes have occurred elsewhere in the country, such as a 2022 breakout in Ontario that took days to resolve. Experts say these events often highlight vulnerabilities in logistics, though statistics from Correctional Service Canada indicate that successful escapes are infrequent, with fewer than a dozen reported annually across all federal institutions.
Authorities have described Custer as potentially armed or dangerous, though no weapons were reported missing from the transport. The public is advised not to approach him but to call 911 or the RCMP detachment at 306-765-6500 with tips. Reward details for information leading to his arrest have not been announced, but anonymous tips are encouraged through Crime Stoppers.
As the search enters its third day, police have expanded efforts to nearby communities, including La Ronge and the broader northern Saskatchewan region, where Custer may have connections. Drones and canine units have been deployed, according to unconfirmed reports from local media. Correctional Service Canada reiterated its commitment to transparency, promising updates as the investigation progresses.
The escape underscores the complexities of balancing security with rehabilitation in Canada's correctional system. With Custer's sentence set to continue for several more years, his recapture is seen as essential not only for public safety but also to maintain trust in the system's ability to contain those convicted of serious offenses. Officials expect more details to emerge soon, potentially shedding light on preventive measures for future transports.
In the meantime, the Prince Albert community remains on alert, with schools and businesses cooperating with law enforcement. "We're doing everything we can," an RCMP spokesperson said. "The public can help by staying informed and reporting anything suspicious." As winter conditions persist in the area, the search faces additional challenges from cold weather and vast rural terrain.
Correctional Service Canada's probe into the escape's circumstances could lead to policy reviews, similar to past incidents that prompted audits. For now, the focus remains on locating Custer and ensuring no further breaches occur at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary or elsewhere.