Updated: Man In Custody Escapes Triggering A Code Red Alert

Bemidji Police Department: Keanu Joseph Major

Update: authorities confirmed a sighting of Keanu Joseph Major near Lake George, U.S. Highway 71 near New Melahn Drive.

At approximately 5:00 Friday morning a Code Red Alert was issued for a man who escaped custody.

According to a release from the Bemidji Police Department, officers responded to a fight between two inmates at the Beltrami County Jail shortly after 10:30 Thursday night. During the course of the investigation it was determined that one of the inmates should be brought to Sanford Hospital for evaluation of injuries sustained during the fight.

A Beltrami County Corrections Officer then transported Keanu Joseph Major, 22, of Bemidji to Sanford Hospital for evaluation. At approximately 3:36 A.M. Bemidji Police Officers were notified that Keanu Major had escaped from the custody of the Beltrami County Corrections Officer. Bemidji Police Officers and Beltrami County Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate Major.

At 7:00A.M. about five miles away from Sanford Hospital, Bemidji Police Officers responded to North Country Insulation in Bardwell Park on a report of a stolen vehicle. It is unknown if Keanu Major was involved in the theft. The vehicle is described as a tan standard cab 2004 Chevrolet Silverado with Minnesota plate #668KKY.

Through a post on the Bemidji Police Department’s Facebook page, the department is asking for help from the public with assistance in locating 25 year old Keanu Joseph Major. He was last seen in the northwest part of Bemidji in leg shackles and a waist belt with restraints and an orange jumpsuit.

Major is described as an Native American male, 5’10”, 195 pounds with black hair, facial hair and hazel eyes. Major has a tattoo on his neck that says “Victoria”.
Major is considered dangerous and the public is asked not to make contact with him.

If you see Major or know of his whereabouts, you are asked to call 911 immediately.