Toronto Police Launch Manhunt After Erroneous Release from Bail Centre
Toronto Police are actively searching for a 28-year-old man who was erroneously released from custody earlier this month. Jahmal Sylvester, who has no fixed address, is now unlawfully at large after being allowed to leave the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on February 2nd.
Details of the Erroneous Release
According to police statements, Sylvester was released from the facility located in the Finch Avenue West and Highway 400 area of North York despite being subject to a general warrant of committal. This warrant specifically required him to remain in custody to serve a jail sentence from a previous case.
"The accused left the courthouse and failed to return to custody to serve his sentence as required," police emphasized in their official news release. Media relations officer Constable Laura Brabant confirmed to reporters that Sylvester's release was indeed an error, noting that while he had been released on bail for current charges, he should have remained detained to complete a sentence from another jurisdiction.
Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Incident
Several crucial details remain unclear about this troubling incident:
- Police have not disclosed what charges Sylvester was facing at the time of his bail hearing
- The nature of the previous offense for which he was serving time remains unspecified
- It is uncertain how exactly he was permitted to leave the facility despite the active warrant
- Whether the Ministry of the Attorney General was aware of the release or investigating the circumstances remains unknown
- No information has been provided about potential measures to prevent similar incidents in the future
An email inquiry to the Ministry regarding their awareness of Sylvester's release and any investigation into the matter had not received an immediate response at the time of reporting.
Physical Description and Known Locations
Toronto Police have provided the following description of the wanted individual:
- Age: 28 years old
- Height: 6 feet
- Weight: 200 pounds
- Known to frequently visit the Rexdale area of Toronto
Public Assistance Requested
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about Jahmal Sylvester's whereabouts to come forward immediately. The public can contact Toronto Police directly at 416-808-2200 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 or via their website at 222tips.com.
This incident raises significant questions about procedural safeguards within the bail and detention system, particularly regarding communication between different jurisdictions and the verification of detainee status before release. The search continues as authorities work to locate Sylvester and return him to custody to complete his sentence.
