News Releases

Prairies Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON, AB, September 29, 2006 - At approximately 9:30 pm on September 28, a minimum security inmate could not be found at the Grierson Centre. A search of the building, surrounding complex and grounds was made but did not locate the inmate. Police were notified. The inmate was last seen at the Centre during an institutional count at 5:10 pm on September 28.

The missing inmate is Gerald Johnston, 35 years old, serving a two-year, eight-month sentence for theft under (X4). His sentence commenced on November, 16, 2004 . He is 175 cm tall (five feet, nine inches), weighs 77 kilograms (170 lbs) and has a fair complexion with brown eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Johnston is asked to contact police.

The Grierson Centre is a minimum security institution that accommodates 30 inmates. Grierson Centre is part of the Grierson Complex located at 9530 101 Avenue in downtown Edmonton.

Minimum security offenders are those who have been assessed as presenting a low escape risk, low risk to the public in the event of an escape and who display progress in dealing with identified problem areas through correctional plan participation.

This is the second escape from the Centre this year. Last year there was one escape.

The Correctional Service of Canada will be conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this escape.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Frank Winkfein
Director
(780) 495-4803