Update:
Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has located the inmate who was at large from Beaver Creek Institute in Gravenhurst, ON.
On January 5, 2025 at 7:40 p.m. Bracebridge OPP responded to a report from Beaver Creek Institute in Gravenhurst, ON that an inmate, 41-year-old Jamesie Kownirk, of Iqaluit, Nunavut, was unaccounted for during a scheduled head count at dinner and it is presumed that he eloped from the correctional facility grounds.
Police worked closely with Beaver Creek Institution to locate the inmate and the OPP K-9 Unit along with the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) conducted a search in the area.
At 9:19 p.m. the male party was located by OPP K-9 and taken back into custody.
Police would like to thank members of the public for their patience and vigilance.
Original release below:
Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is conducting a search for an inmate who is at large from Beaver Creek Institute in Gravenhurst, ON.
On January 5, 2025 at 7:40 p.m. Bracebridge OPP responded to a report from Beaver Creek Institute in Gravenhurst, ON that an inmate, 41-year-old Jamesie Kownirk, of Iqaluit, Nunavut, was unaccounted for during a scheduled head count at dinner and it is presumed that he eloped from the correctional facility grounds.
Kownirk is an Indigenous male, originally from Iqaluit, Nunavit, and is described as 5'6" tall, with a slim build,160 lbs, possibly wearing blue shirt with a green jacket and blue jeans and he was last seen at 12:30 p.m. This inmate is serving a life sentence and has ties to the Ottawa area.
Police are working closely with Beaver Creek Institution to locate the inmate and the OPP K-9 Unit along with the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) are conducting a search in the area. Members of the public can expect to see increased police activity in the area of the Gravenhurst Parkway, Reay Rd, Germania Rd and Highway 118 E.
Members of the public are encouraged to be vigilante and report any suspicious activity to Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or if the situation is urgent, you may call 9-1-1.
