Two charged after escape from police custody

Edmonton police said Monday that charges had been laid against two individuals, after they escaped from police custody Sunday night.

Police said just before midnight, a Commissionaire working in Southwest Division opened a cell, and was assaulted by a male detainee who was being held there – the Commissionaire sustained non-life threatening injuries from the assault.

The male then used a key to open an adjoining cell, and freed another male detainee.

Both males ran from Southwest Division, and officers chased them – the first individual was apprehended within a few minutes at a shopping centre nearby.

Police set up road blocks and cordoned off the neighbourhood – and conducted a ground and air search of the area. He was apprehended an hour later a few blocks away.

It’s believed the suspects are not known to each other; both were in custody for violent offences.

As a result, police said the following individuals are charged:

Blair Letendre, 30, is facing charges of escaping lawful custody, assaulting a peace officer causing bodily harm, choking to overcome resistance, prison breach and permitting an escape

Clayton Carter, 22, is charged with escaping lawful custody

EPS said the incident is still under investigation.