Timmins Police search for shackled prisoner who fled custody

Timmins Police are looking for a man who escaped custody outside of the city's Ontario Court of Justice Wednesday afternoon.

Thirty-two-year-oldSteven Leduc is described by police as about five-foot-five inches tall and 145 pounds. He is described as thin, with short brown hair and blue eyes and has a teardrop tattoo below his left eye. At the time of his escape, he was wearing a beige jacket, black pants, ankle shackles and belly chains.

A police spokespersonsaid he was being escorted from the courthouse to a sheriff's van when he fled.

Leduc was supposed to appearin court on a bail matter, but now a warrant will be issued for his arrest.

The area around the courthouse was cleared using an OPP canine tracker, said police spokespersonKate Cantin.

Leduc was charged in 2010 with attempted murder but not convicted.

Police say if anybody spots Leduc, do not approach him. They are alsoadvising people tocheck theirsheds and vehicles in case the fugitive is hiding there.