2 Prisoners Escape while being transported to Edmonton Intl. Airport (F.I.A.)

At approximately, 8 PM an EPS Prisoner Transport Bus, was on its way to the airport, to drop off 4 prisoners from the Edmonton Remand Center, so that they may be expedited back to their original country, and then transport the remaining 3 prisoners to court. The bus left with 4 police escorts, since all the prisoners were high value subjects.

Around 15-20 minutes after departure from the Remand Center, Dispatchers received a 911 call, saying there was 4-6 individuals fighting in a bar, 4 of which were armed with a knife and a handgun, 2 of which were trying to attack the bartender, but being held back by some brave citizens of Edmonton.

At this time, the 4 escorts were the only units on call/ on duty, which resulted in all 4 being dispatched to the bar, to break it up, and most likely arrest the 4 individuals in possession of a weapon. This resulted in the prisoner transport bus, proceeding to the airport by itself, with only 2 guards on board. About 5-10 minutes after entering Broker-Dukes Expressway the bus' two rear tires deflated, after running over a homemade spike strip, that was placed on the road. The driver pulled over and went to assess the tires, and determine if they could be replaced or another bus would have to be called in. The driver and his colleague, determined another bus would have to be called in. They called it in, but were told that the bus wouldn't be able to arrive for 1 - 1 1/2 hours. At this time, one guard stepped back on the bus to assess the inmates, and check for any injuries. No one was hurt, but some were shaken. After approximately 5-10 mins, 3 black Sentinels with 4 occupants in each raced towards the bus. The guards attempted to draw their weapons, but were forced to drop them at gunpoint.

These individuals then stepped onto the bus, with a pair of bolt-cutters, and a torch (if needed). They began cutting the handcuffs and shackles of 2 prisoners. The guards, still being held at gunpoint were unable to do anything, for fear of being shot. The 2 prisoners walked off the bus, and got into two of the black Sentinels. These vehicles then sped off, after handcuffing the guards to the bumper of the bus, and throwing their radios inside the bus. One guard (Scott Brown) pressed a "panic button" which transmitted their location to dispatch. Since the four original escort units, were still dealing with the bar fight, 2 Alberta Sheriffs, who had just gone on duty, were dispatched to the area.

They arrived at the same time as the auxiliary transport bus, to find the two guards, handcuffed to the front bumper of the bus unharmed, with their firearms, and radios thrown inside the bus. At this time, an APB was put out for the 3 black Sentinels, and the 2 prisoners that escaped as a result of this.

The auxiliary bus that was called in proceeded to transport the remaining 2 prisoners to the airport, and the other 3 to court.

The two prisoners that escaped, were identified as 23 year-old Jim Wilson and 30 year-old Seamus O'Riley.