Fredericton prisoner accused of trying to escape courthouse through vent

FREDERICTON – A courthouse in New Brunswick had to be evacuated today after a prisoner allegedly tried to escape custody through the building’s ventilation system.

Fredericton police say a 26-year-old man was brought to the provincial court around noon to face weapons charges and placed in a holding cell.

Police say the man, whose legs were shackled, then climbed into a small vent as guards were nearby.

Officers say the man made it to the ceiling above the holding cell, but was unable to go further.

They say he then returned to his cell and was arrested for attempting to escape lawful custody.

The building was evacuated for about a half hour.

(CKHJ, The Canadian Press)

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