Bowden inmate escapes
RCMP are chasing down a convict with ties to Calgary who escaped from the Bowden Institution on Thursday night.
Dean Leonard Mcclelland was discovered missing from the minimum-security annex at the Bowden Institution during the 10:15 p.m. count on Thursday.
Innisfail RCMP were notified of the escapee and the canine unit was brought out. However, the dogs were not able to pick up the scent of McClelland.
RCMP spokeswoman Sgt. Patricia Neely said there was a vehicle stolen from the nearby town of Olds on Thursday night, but she stressed it’s unknown if Mcclelland was involved in that case. The vehicle is a 1994 green GMC. Mcclelland, 46, is described as six feet two inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. He has blue eyes, red hair and tattoos on his hands, arms, legs, back and chest.
He was in prison in relation to a vengeful rampage where he burned down his former spouse’s rented home after she ended an eight-year relationship that she called abusive and controlling and obtained a restraining order against him.
He also poured acid on three cars, and keyed the sides and slashed the tires of a fourth vehicle.
He pleaded guilty in May 2010 to one count of arson, one count of criminal harassment and four counts of criminal mischief causing damage.
Mcclelland was originally sentenced to 5 1/2 years, but was given double credit for the 11 months already spent in custody, leaving him with three years, eight months and 15 days left to serve.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.