Update: Dangerous man at large in Bridgewater

The search for a dangerous man in Bridgewater continues.

Police say Monday afternoon staff at the South Shore Regional Hospital alerted them about a suspicious man trying to get medical treatment after he was at the hospital for a number of hours.

They learned he was Latef Tag EL DIN who has been wanted under a Canada Wide warrant since January.

“During the investigation, police learned the wanted male arrived at the hospital in a red Dodge Caravan driven by a female,” says Bridgewater Police in an updated statement Monday evening.

There was a heavy police presence in the hospital, and the man was tracked down to LaHave Street with a possible sighting at South Shore Centre.

He was not found and believed to have left the area.

Police say at no time was the public at risk.

He was wearing a roots jogging suit, dark color toque and dark footwear.

Police say not to approach him and the hospital is on lockdown while he is missing.

If you see him you are asked to call police.

Mayor explains why no alert was issued

In a post on social media, David Mitchell addressed questions about why a public alert was not issued during the incident.

Mitchell said the decision was based on information from police, who determined there was “little to no risk” to the public.

He noted that while the individual was wanted on a parole warrant related to past gun offences, police confirmed he was not believed to be armed at the time.

The mayor also said alerts are not issued directly by police or the municipality, but instead must meet specific criteria before a request is made.

In this case, he said that threshold was not reached.

Mitchell added the wording used in police messaging, including the term “dangerous male,” is standard across Canada and intended to discourage people from approaching the individual.

He said the town will review how updates are worded going forward to improve clarity.