2 inmates on loose after escaping jail in The Pas

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Peggy

Two inmates with a history of violence escaped from jail Monday evening in The Pas, Man., RCMP say.

Mounties received a report that three men had run away from The Pas Correctional Centre at 6:45 p.m., spokesperson Sgt. Paul Manaigre said in a news release.

They had last been seen five minutes earlier, Manaigre said.

One of the inmates was found and taken into custody at 8:05 p.m. The other two, who RCMP said should not be approached, are still on the loose.

Xander William Tardiff, 19, is described as five feet 11 inches tall and 180 pounds. Kelly John Castel, 21, is five feet nine inches and 135 pounds, RCMP said.

Around midnight, Mounties issued an alert to residents of The Pas, Flin Flon and surrounding areas, while RCMP in Saskatchewan issued a similar notice to people in Creighton, Sask., and nearby areas after new information was received, Manaigre said.

That information included a suggestion that Tardiff may try to harm people he knows, and a report of an attempted break-in at a home in The Pas, Manaigre said.

RCMP advised people in The Pas and Flin Flon to lock all doors and windows and report anything suspicious to police immediately.

Mounties said the emergency response team, police dog services and remotely-piloted aircraft systems are helping search for the men. People in The Pas can expect an increased police presence in the area as the search continues, Manaigre said.

Anyone who has seen the men or has information about where they are is asked to call The Pas RCMP immediately at 204-627-6200.

The Pas Correctional Centre, located at Third Street E. next to the town’s provincial court building, has a rated capacity of 110 men and up to four women, the province’s website says.

The facility includes minimum, medium and maximum security and has a temporary holding unit for young offenders.