Winnipeg police warn public to be wary of escapee

Winnipeg police have hit a dead end in their search forEarl Joey Wiebe and called again Mondayforpublic help in finding the violent psychiatric patient, who escaped from custody last week.

Despite a number of tips and the work of investigators dedicated to the case full time, "we don't have any indicators as to where he might be or what his condition is, so we're still concerned for public safety,"Const. Jacqueline Chaput said Monday.

"We do know he has a history of being unstable, so again, we're asking the public [that] if you encounter him, if you have any information as to his whereabouts, don't approach him. Just contact 911 and we'll locate him from there."

Wiebe, 23, escaped custody of escorts while on a medical appointment at a Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre on Sept. 27.

Hehas spent the past six years living in the high-security wing of the Selkirk Mental Health Centre after being found not criminally responsible for killing his stepmother in 2000.

Wiebe's mother was supposed to speak at a news conference Monday, but RCMP said shechanged her mind.

The southern Manitoba town of Niverville, Wiebe's hometown and the place where his stepmother was murdered, is on alert andRCMP has boosteditspresence in the community of 1,600.