Convicted killer reportedly held Sherwood Park man hostage, still at large

More charges have been laid against convicted killer William Bicknell, who is still at large after allegedly escaping while on an escorted absence from the Drumheller Correctional Institution.

Bicknell is now facing kidnapping and break and enter charges after he allegedly held a 72-year-old man hostage on a farm near Vegerville on March 14th. The hostage owns the Vegreville property, and was reportedly checking on it on Monday when he was approached by Bicknell who was carrying a gun. He was held for 10 hours. The senior was warned not to report the incident for several days.

Police now have reason to believe Bicknell is in the Peace River Area and are still looking for any information that could lead to his arrest.

Bicknell allegedly overpowered the single guard he was travelling from Drumheller to Edmonton with on March 10th, before allegedly forcing his way into a Chipman residence and stealing a vehicle.

Bicknell is 6'6" and 500 lbs, with hazel eyes and brown hair. He has a number of tattoos, including a cobra and a unicorn.

Police believe he may be in possession of Correction Services Canada identification, and may be driving a stolen 2009 grey Chevrolet Impala with Alberta License CXE-602. Bicknell is considered armed and extremely dangerous and should not be approached. He is supposed to be serving a life sentence for second degree murder.

If you have any information call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.