Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit, NU (Sep 23/02) - Wanted posters are up around the city and police are poking through tents and alleys trying to find a man who escaped from the prison Wednesday. The escaped inmate is considered dangerous.

"We certainly have a concern. The offence he is incarcerated for is on the rather serious side," said Cpl. Dave Kalist.

Moseesee Nakashook, 33, was at the Baffin Correctional Centre awaiting trial for aggravated assault when he escaped Sept. 18 at 9 p.m.

"We're checking any place he may be hiding or trying to avoid us," said Kalist.

The detachment normally has five officers on shift, and each one is on the lookout. There are no extra patrols but police are looking in places Nakashook has been known to hang out. They are also asking the public for assistance.

Police have searched tents around the city. Kalist said a tent would be an ideal place for Nakashook to hide out because of their isolation.

Nakashook is 5'5" in height and 140 pounds. He has short black hair and a tattoo of a cross in the middle of his forehead. Police advise people to use caution if they see a man fitting his description.

RCMP have posted Nakashook's picture in public place across the city. They have also made announcements on radio.

Still, many residents of Iqaluit were unaware of the escape.

Mary Ellen Milley, director of Aakuluk daycare, did not know. She is worried for people's safety.

"While the kids are at the day care, they are well supervised so it's not that much of a concern but it's not very safe for any kid in general," she said.

Ron McCormick, Director of Corrections for the Department of Justice, said an investigation into how Nakashook got out of BCC is planned.

"When we have an incident like this we look at policy and procedures to see if we can improve them," said McCormick.

If the review reveals holes in the security at the jail, improvements will be made, he said.

McCormick said two prisoners have escaped from the prison in the last year by making their way through a physical barrier.

Anyone with information on Nakashook's whereabouts are asked to contact RCMP immediately.