Handcuffed, shirtless man escapes police custody in Portage la Prairie

RCMP in a western Manitoba city are warning the public about a large police presence after a man escaped custody on Thursday night.

Byron Roulette, 26, was last seen on 5th Street SE, near Queen Avenue, in Portage la Prairie at 7:30 p.m. He was handcuffed and believed to be shirtless, and wearing grey-brown shorts with blood stains on his shoes.

Roulette had been in the custody of the Manitoba First Nation Police Service, which arrested him earlier in the day.  The MNFPS reported the escape to the RCMP around 9 p.m., the Mounties said in a news release.

Multiple officers from both the RCMP and MNFPS are searching in the area where Roulette escaped. Specialized units are also helping, including RCMP police dog service and remotely piloted aircraft system.

The RCMP is asking the public to be on the lookout for Roulette but to not approach him if seen. Call 911 immediately.

Call can also be made to the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445 or MNFPS at 204-843-7700.