'Be vigilant and stay safe': Search continues for escaped inmate in Yellowknife
Denecho King, 23, charged with murder and attempted murder, escaped around 11:15 a.m.
RCMP have set up a dedicated phone line to collect tips on the whereabouts of a man charged with murder and attempted murder who escaped from Yellowknife's jail Wednesday morning.
- Anyone with information is asked to call 765-3956. After 2 a.m. call 669-1111
Denecho King escaped from custody at the North Slave Correctional Centre at about 11:15 a.m.
King, 23, is described as 5 foot 8 and 150 pounds, with light facial hair (mustache) and a short crew cut. He was last seen wearing a green shirt and grey sweatpants, though police advise he may have changed his clothing.
"He's been described as dangerous and he's facing serious charges so we want everybody to be as safe as possible," said RCMP spokesperson Marie York-Condon. "We can't predict his actions.
"We are asking the public to not approach him in any circumstances. Just give the RCMP a call and we will respond.
"The key message is to be vigilant and stay safe."
2nd degree murder, attempted murder
King is charged with second-degree murder in the death of John Wifladt and with the attempted murder of Colin Digness in December 2014.
The two men were found seriously injured in an apartment on the third floor of Sunridge Place on Yellowknife's 51 Avenue. Wifladt died later in hospital. Digness was medevaced to Edmonton for treatment.
King was charged five months later.
Highway checkstop, Fieldhouse lockdown
RCMP officers are stopping and searching vehicles leaving the city on Highway 3 near the Sandpits.
Both the Multiplex and the Fieldhouse, two city-run recreational facilities located near the jail, are in lockdown due to the escape.
City officials say the facilities are being closely supervised by RCMP and Municipal Enforcement Officers and all people visiting either building will be asked for ID and the reason for their visit.
Sgt. Donnie Duplissea said they've called in extra members to help with the search.
"If you've got an RCMP jersey, you're working today," he said.
Corrections to review critical incident
In a news release this afternoon, the N.W.T. Department of Justice says the investigation is in the hands of the RCMP with assistance and full co-operation from the Corrections Service.
"All critical incident procedures have been put into place," the release said.
It says a critical incident review "will be completed to determine the circumstances and improvements required."
RCMP ask anyone who believes they've spotted King or has seen anything suspicious to call the Yellowknife detachment phone line at 867-765-3956, which will be monitored until 2 a.m. After 2 a.m., call 867-669-1111.
