Prisoner escapes custody in parking lot of Truro Justice Centre

An inmate escaped custody in the parking lot of the Truro Justice Centre at around 5:45 p.m. on Friday, the Nova Scotia Department of Justice said in news release.

Marc Joseph Pellerin, 43, was being moved into a sheriff's van during a transfer from Shediac Jail in New Brunswick to Halifax for a court appearance on Monday.

Officials describe Pellerin as a white man who is five feet seven inches tall and weighing around 70 kg. He has tattoos on both arms, brown eyes and brown hair. He was wearing blue jeans and sneakers.

Pellerin, originally from New Brunswick, is on remand for a number of property-related charges.

The Nova Scotia Justice Department could not be reached for an interview.

Sheriff Services is also investigating.