An inmate from the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre is on the lam after escaping from the custody of Provincial correctional officers while at the Victoria General Hospital for medical treatment.

In a press release, West Shore RCMP say Tyler Fong fled Sunday evening around 8pm.

The website, Breaking the Code, is reporting Tyler Fong fled the hospital after attacking a Wilkinson Road Prison Guard and carjacking an unsuspecting victim.

According to Breaking the Code,  Fong was allowed to go into the bathroom by himself, wearing only shackles, and not accompanied by a guard and managed to free himself.

He then surprised the guard just outside of the bathroom, attacked him, and escaped out the public doors of the hospital before any “lock down” could trap him. Once outside, Fong allegedly carjacked a bystander in the parking lot.

RCMP confirm a vehicle was stolen from the VGH parking lot, causing a minor collision with a motorcycle as he fled.

The stolen vehicle is described as a brown 2000 Chrysler Concord 4-door sedan, BC License Plate ‘166 RGC’.

The West Shore RCMP confirm the escaped inmate as Tyler Desmond Fong. Fong was incarcerated at VIRCC following convictions earlier this year for a string of property crime offences in Ladysmith and Nanaimo, and has a history of fleeing from police.

Tyler Desmond FONG is described as:

  • Caucasian male
  • 31 years old
  • 6 feet, 1 inch tall (185 cm)
  • 205 pounds (93 kg)
  • brown hair
  • brown eyes

A warrant has been issued for Fong’s arrest and he will be facing new charges including escaping lawful custody, assaulting a peace officer, theft of a vehicle and dangerous operation of a vehicle as well as two counts of mischief.

West Shore RCMP are asking if you know the location of Tyler Fong, do not engage him, and call 9-1-1 immediately. To share information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).