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Accused is on the run

Man charged with sexual assault escapes police custody

Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Mar 24/03) - RCMP are still searching for a man who made a daring escape from police custody last week.

Jerry Papatsie, 32, fled on foot from the Iqaluit courthouse March 17 and then sped off on a Ski-Doo that was parked across the street.

He was in court that day for a remand hearing. He had been charged earlier for sexual assault.

Sgt. Greg Bursey of the Iqaluit RCMP said Papatsie was visiting with his family inside the courthouse when he made his escape.

"He simply just vanished," said Bursey.

Bursey said despite the sexual assault charge, they do not consider Papatsie a danger to the community.

However, he added, that those who know his whereabouts should exercise caution. Police would not elaborate on the sexual assault charge against Papatsie.

Bursey said allowing suspects to visit with family following a bail hearing is not uncommon.

Security at the courthouse is handled by the Iqaluit RCMP.

The level of security at the courthouse on any given day is determined by the level of threat a suspect poses, said Bursey.

"There were two officers on duty with him at the time," he said.

Papatsie is now facing an additional charge of escaping lawful custody. The RCMP are seeking community help to find him.

He is described as an Inuk male standing 5'10" with black hair and brown eyes.

Bursey said he is stocky, weighing approximately 190 pounds, and has a tattoo on his left forearm with the letters LE.

RCMP suspect he is still in Iqaluit. Bursey said Papatsie likely won't be charged for making off with the Ski-Doo, adding that it was not a planned escape.

"It was completely opportunistic," said Bursey.