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Surrey RCMP are searching for a suspect who gave them the slip while handcuffed and under police guard at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

RCMP say they arrested 46-year-old Richard Mantler on Thursday afternoon for several property crimes and related offences.

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Before being put into jail, Mantler, a well-know car thief with a lengthy criminal record that dating back 15 years, was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

While at the hospital, he managed to sneak away from his police guard and escape through an emergency exit while handcuffed. Officers, with the help of police dogs, were not able to locate him.

Mantler, who is described as a white male, 6-feet-tall and 216 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes, is now wanted for escape from lawful custody.

He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with a red Adidas logo, blue jeans, and black shoes.

“If you know the whereabouts or have any information about Mantler, police want to hear from you right away,” said Surrey RCMP Cpl. Scotty Schumann. “Mantler is not believed to be a risk to the public and is known primarily for property offences.”

Mantler, who has been ranked No. 1 on the B.C. RCMP’s top 10 most wanted car thieves list, was charged last year with multiple counts of assault with a weapon. According to court documents, he is scheduled to appear in Surrey Provincial Court on March 7.

Over the last two decades, Mantler has convictions for assault, theft, dangerous driving, driving without a valid licence, uttering threats, harassment, failing to appear for scheduled court dates and drug possession.

Anyone with more information can contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.