Accused murderer escapes from P.A. jail guards with help of masked men

Police in the Prince Albert, Sask.,area continue to search forBraidy Vermette, 28, a man charged with first-degree murder in the death of Troy Napope.

Vermette escaped from thecustody of jail guards with the help of two masked menWednesday night, police said in a news release.

Earlier, he had beentaken to Victoria Hospital from the jail,where he isonremand between court appearances on the murder charge.

He was to betreatedfor a cut to his right arm, butat 10:34 p.m. CST, officerswere sent to thehospital after receivinga report of bear mace being used, police said.

When he stepped out of the vehicle,two masked people confronted the jail guards, police said.One had a gun and the other had the bear mace.

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After one of the two masked peopleused the bear mace on the guards,Vermette"appeared to go willingly" with them, therelease said.

Vermetteis believed to haveescaped in a dark-coloured SUV.He'sconsidered armed and dangerous.

He's described as six feet, two inches tall, and weighs 240 pounds. He has short, blackhair and brown eyes.

Police are continuingto investigate the incident and ask that if anyone has any information, they shouldcall the Prince Albert Police Service or Crime Stoppers.