Corrections Canada says two inmates escaped William Head Institution in Metchosin

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WatchTwo violent offenders have escaped from the William Head prison in Metchosin, one a convicted killer and the other jailed for aggravated assault. Corrections staff discovered the men were missing during last night's 11 o clock count. Luisa Alvarez has the story.

West Shore RCMP says they are searching for two men considered dangerous and have escaped a federal prison in Greater Victoria.

Correctional Service of Canada said inmates James Busch and Zachary Armitage got away from William Head Institution, a minimum-security prison in Metchosin.

In a Facebook post Monday morning, CSC said “We are working with police to locate the inmates as quickly as possible.”

William Head officials said the two were not accounted for during an 11 p.m. count Sunday night.

CSC contacted West Shore RCMP and a warrant for their arrest has been issued.

Busch is currently serving an indeterminate sentence for second degree murder and assault, and has served sentences for aggravated sexual assault, escape of lawful custody and other offences.

West Shore RCMP says James Lee Busch, 42, is one of two inmates that escaped from William Head Institution in Metchosin. Photo courtesy Facebook/Correctional Service of Canada.

Busch is described as being 42-years-old, 5’9″ tall and weighs 179 pounds and has medium-tanned coloured skin, a shaved head, and has a skull tattoo on his left forearm.

Authorities say Armitage is currently serving a sentence of 13 years, 10 months and four days for robbery, aggravated assault and other offences.

Zachary Armitage, 30, is identified as one of two William Head Institution inmates that escaped this weekend from the facility in Metchosin. Photo courtesty Facebook/Correctional Service of Canada.

West Shore RCMP describe Armitage as being a 30-year-old First Nations male, standing 5’10” and weighs 170 pounds.

He has light-coloured skin, black short trimmed hair and a tattoo with a crown and “No Love” on his right arm.

West Shore RCMP says the two men are considered dangerous and should not be approached.

If anyone sees either escaped inmates, police ask you call 911 immediately.

William Head says CSC is investigating the circumstances of the incident.

There have been previous escape attempts from the 200-person-capacity institution, which is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on three sides.

Michael Douglas Sheets escaped William Head Institution during an escorted absence in downtown Victoria back in 2015. He was later found the next day hiding out at a residence on Jubilee Avenue.

And in 2013, two inmates swam to a beach. Dean Allen Benton was arrested by West Shore RCMP the next morning. Brian Peter Patrick, a convicted murderer, was found a day later.

With files from Cindy E. Harnett, The Times Colonist

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