Escaped N.B. inmate was charged for having restricted, loaded gun: court documents

The search continues for an inmate that has been on the loose from a Shediac jail for two weeks.

An inmate who escaped from a New Brunswick jail almost two weeks ago — and is still on the run — was charged with weapons offences last month, according to court documents.

The RCMP said Todd John Lewis escaped from the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre in Shediac, N.B., shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. Police said he jumped the fence and was last seen running toward Route 15.

Police said they only learned of his escape around 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 13. They issued an emergency alert around 12:20 p.m. that day, warning residents not to approach Lewis.

According to court documents obtained by CTV News Atlantic, Lewis is facing charges for allegedly having a restricted weapon, despite being prohibited from possessing firearms for life. A judge issued the lifelong weapons prohibition order on Aug. 18, 2025.

The court documents allege Lewis had a loaded Tokarev TT-33, which is a Soviet-era semi-automatic pistol used during the Second World War, in his possession in Moncton on Jan. 20.

Lewis was charged on Jan. 21 with nine offences, including possessing a restricted firearm, carrying a restricted weapon in a careless manner, and carrying a concealed weapon.

He’s also charged with possessing a weapon — a knife — for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and violating a probation order to “keep the peace and be of good behaviour.”

The RCMP confirmed on Tuesday that Lewis has not yet been found.

Lewis is described as being around five-foot-seven and 146 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing blue pants, a brown coat, and a black hat.

Police said Lewis should not be approached if spotted, and anyone who sees him should call 911 immediately.

The RCMP is asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 1-888-506-7267 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Derek Haggett

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