A man serving a life sentence for second-degree murder has escaped from a federal prison just outside Montreal.
According to a news release from Correctional Service Canada (CSC), 56-year-old Richard Plourde was reported missing from the minimum-security unit at Archambault Institution in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, about an hour north of the city. The escape was discovered during the 11 p.m. inmate count on Sunday, June 22.
The prison immediately notified the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), and a Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued.
Plourde is serving a life sentence for multiple convictions, including second-degree murder, armed robbery, and escaping lawful custody. He has been in prison since 2004.
CSC says it's working closely with law enforcement to locate him and has launched an investigation into the circumstances of his escape.
The SQ released a public bulletin confirming that Plourde is still at large as of Monday.
Anyone who sees this individual is asked to call 911 and not attempt to approach him.sq.gouv.qc.ca
He is described as 5'10" (178 cm), weighing 239 lbs (108 kg), with brown hair and blue eyes. He has several distinctive tattoos, including a clown on his left shoulder, a spider on his left arm, and the words "King Rich" on his right arm.
Officials urge the public not to approach Plourde and to contact 911 or the SQ's confidential tip line at 1-800-659-4264 if they have any information.
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