Update: Apprehended – Offender wanted after escaping from Collins Bay Institution
Update (Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 1:20 p.m.):
Joshua Kenneth Kohl, a federal offender who escaped from Collins Bay Institution on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, has now been apprehended.
Kingston Police arrested Kohl at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the LCBO located at 1280 Bath Road. Police confirmed that Kohl was apprehended, but were unable to share further details.
For their part, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) also confirmed that Kohl had been apprehended.
“For the time being, the offender will be returned to Collins Bay Institution,” said Mike Shrider, Regional Communications Manager for CSC.
“CSC will then conduct a new risk assessment to determine the appropriate security level.”
In terms of further charges laid against Kohl, who is serving an indeterminant sentence for second degree murder, the OPP confirm just after 2 p.m. on May 17 that he is being charged with being unlawfully at large.
“CSC takes escapes very seriously and public safety remains the paramount consideration,” Shrider stated. “CSC will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to better understand how this happened.”
The CSC provided the following details as “additional information”:
The perimeter of a minimum security institution will be clearly defined but not normally directly controlled. Minimum security inmates are expected to interact effectively and responsibly with minimal monitoring, and demonstrate a high level of motivation towards self-improvement by actively participating in their Correctional Plan. The environment of a minimum-security institution is intended to develop an inmate’s capacity to operate with minimal monitoring. This plays a very important role in the process of reintegrating offenders back into the community and helping them become law-abiding citizens.
This article will be updated if/when more information becomes available.
Update (Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 10:05 a.m.):
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have provided an update on the case of escaped federal offender Joshua Kohl, advising that Khol “could pose a safety risk.” Members of the public are advised not to approach Khol if he is spotted. Instead, contact authorities (see below for contact information).
Original article (Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 8:13 a.m.):
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has released the above photo and is requesting public assistance to locate a wanted federal offender who escaped from Collins Bay Institution.
On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, during a formal count, staff members at the minimum-security unit of the multilevel security federal institution, discovered that Kohl was not accounted for, according to a release from the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).
Reportedly, the CSC immediately contacted Kingston Police and a warrant for the inmate’s arrest has been issued.
According to the OPP, Joshua Kenneth Kohl, 42 years of age, is currently serving an indeterminate sentence for second-degree murder.
Police described Kohl as 6′ tall (183 cm), and weighing 158 lbs (72 kg). He has short brown hair, a receding hairline and blue eyes. Kohl also has a pock-marked face and wears glasses.
The CSC has said they will investigate the circumstances of this incident and are working with the police to locate the offender as quickly as possible. The agency has given the police all of the information available to help arrest the inmate, according to the release.
“If you have seen Kohl, or have information regarding his whereabouts, do not approach and contact police immediately at 1-888-310-1122. If you are in danger, call 911,” OPP said.