Inmate Keiston Custer escapes custody during transport from Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert

A Prisoner Vanishes During Routine Transport in Saskatchewan.

What was supposed to be a standard inmate transfer has now turned into an active manhunt in central Saskatchewan.

On February 20, 2026, a 30-year-old inmate slipped away from custody while being transported from Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert.

Correctional Service Canada confirmed that Keiston Custer absconded during the move. Within hours, authorities alerted the Prince Albert Police Service and the local RCMP detachment.

A warrant has since been issued for his arrest, and officers are urging the public to come forward with any information.

Who Is the Escaped Inmate

Custer is described as 178 centimetres tall, weighing around 82 kilograms, with a medium complexion, brown eyes and black hair.

He is currently serving a 10-year-and-two-day sentence tied to serious convictions, including manslaughter involving the use of a firearm, participation in a riot, and possession of property obtained by crime valued at over $5,000.

While officials have not disclosed the exact circumstances of how he managed to escape, absconding during transport is not unheard of.

Transfers can involve movements between facilities, court appearances, medical appointments or other administrative reasons. These moments, though tightly controlled, can present vulnerabilities.

How the Escape Unfolded

Details remain limited, but authorities say the incident occurred while staff were escorting Custer from Saskatchewan Penitentiary.

Prince Albert, a northern Saskatchewan city of roughly 37,000 residents, is home to one of Canada’s oldest federal institutions. The penitentiary has housed high-profile offenders in the past and operates under strict security protocols.

Once Custer disappeared from custody, Correctional Service Canada immediately contacted municipal police and the RCMP.

A coordinated search effort began, and investigators are now reviewing procedures and staff actions as part of an internal probe.

A Community on Alert

Prince Albert residents are being asked to stay vigilant. Police have not released any information suggesting immediate danger to the public, but they are treating the matter seriously given the inmate’s violent criminal history.

In smaller cities like Prince Albert, news of an escape spreads quickly. Community members often rely heavily on local law enforcement updates and social media to stay informed during unfolding situations like this.

Story So Far

• February 20, 2026: Keiston Custer escapes during transport from Saskatchewan Penitentiary.
• Authorities notify Prince Albert Police Service and RCMP.
• An arrest warrant is issued.
• Public appeal launched for information on his whereabouts.
• Correctional Service Canada begins internal investigation.

Impact and Consequences

An escape of this nature raises tough questions. First and foremost, there’s the immediate safety concern.

Even if there’s no direct threat reported, the fact that someone convicted of manslaughter is at large understandably unsettles residents.

There are also institutional consequences. Correctional Service Canada will likely examine transport procedures, staffing levels and risk assessments.

If gaps are identified, changes could follow, whether that means tighter escort protocols or revised movement policies.

Escapes can also have broader ripple effects, from political scrutiny to public debate about correctional resources and inmate management.

What’s Next

The search effort remains active. Police will continue to follow leads and monitor known associates and possible travel routes.

Border alerts and inter-agency coordination are common steps in cases like this, particularly when the inmate could attempt to leave the province.

Meanwhile, CSC’s internal review will determine how the incident happened and whether disciplinary or procedural actions are required. Updates are expected once more information becomes available.

Summary

A routine inmate transfer in Prince Albert has escalated into a regional manhunt after 30-year-old Keiston Custer escaped from lawful custody.

Serving more than a decade for manslaughter and other offences, he is now the subject of a Canada-wide warrant.

Police and correctional authorities are working together to locate him, while an internal investigation examines how the escape occurred.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Inmate Keiston Custer escaped during a transport from Saskatchewan Penitentiary on February 20, 2026.
• He is serving a 10-year sentence for manslaughter involving a firearm, riot-related offences and possession of stolen property.
• Police in Prince Albert and the RCMP have issued an arrest warrant and launched a search.
• Authorities are asking the public to report any information about his whereabouts.
• Correctional Service Canada has begun reviewing the circumstances surrounding the escape.