Search underway for convicted murderer who escaped from Collins Bay Institution in Kingston, Ont.

Search underway for convicted murderer who escaped from Collins Bay Institution in Kingston, Ont.

Mason Jenkins has been serving life sentence for 1st-degree murder

Police are searching for a convicted murderer who they say escaped from the Collins Bay Institution in Kingston, Ont.

Mason Jenkins, 49, did not show up for an 11:15 a.m. count at his minimum-security unit at the multi-level security federal institution on Thursday, Kingston Police said in a news release.

The Correctional Service of Canada said in a separate release that a warrant for the inmate's arrest has been issued.

Jenkins has been serving a life sentence for first-degree murder and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

Kingston Police described him as five feet, nine inches tall; roughly 255 pounds; and with a fair complexion, brown eyes and a shaved head.

Jenkins was last seen wearing jeans, a light green jacket and rubber boots, according to police.

Anyone who sees Jenkins is asked not to approach him and to immediately call 911.