Police in London, Ont., say they’re looking for a 19-year-old man who escaped from jail allegedly by disguising himself as his cellmate.

Justin Kunz altered his appearance and then threatened the cellmate — who was due to be released from custody — to be quiet when correctional officers came to release him, police allege.

Police say Kunz was released Wednesday from the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre under the cellmate’s name.

Investigators say arrest warrants have been issued for Kunz for impersonation, uttering threats, and being unlawfully at large.

Kunz had been in custody and is before the courts for numerous offences including possession of firearms, failing to comply with court orders, uttering threats and mischief.

Despite his record, London police said he isn’t a threat to the public.

“We don’t have any indication at this time that he poses a threat to the safety of the community,” Const. Ken Steeves of London police said in an email.

Even though he’s unlawfully at large, correction’s officials said he didn’t actually escape.

Kunz “was released by Ministry officials prior to his scheduled release date by error,” which Brent Ross, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, said did not qualify as an actual escape.

“Contrary to reports, the inmate did not escape from the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, and, to date, no one has ever escaped on their own or with the help of others, from the EMDC,” Ross said in an email.

That said, he shouldn’t be free, Ross said.

“The improper release of any inmate from a correctional facility is unacceptable and the ministry takes its responsibilities in this area very seriously,” Ross said.

“When an improper release takes place, the police are immediately notified and all efforts are made to locate the individual and return them to custody,” Ross said.

“In addition, where there is a victim notification on the inmate’s file, that individual will also be contacted to inform them of the release.

“The Ministry is working with the London Police Service to return the offender to custody,” Ross said.

Kunz is described as male, white, with a shaved head.

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He’s 5-foot-7 and 134 lbs., police said.

—with files by Peter Edwards