BLAINE – The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department is on the hunt for a local man who escaped Wednesday evening from police custody.

John Deveau Jr., 22, of Blaine reportedly bolted out the door of his Robinson Road residence before a deputy could handcuff him, according to the officer, Deputy Forrest Dudley.

Dudley declined Thursday to comment further on the details of the escape.

The deputy said he arrived at the Blaine residence at approximately 5 p.m. after Deveau’s probation officer, Greg Locsin, requested the Sheriff’s Department arrest the man for a probation violation.

In 2002, Deveau was sentenced to four years with all but 15 months suspended at the Maine Correctional Center in Windham for several burglaries and thefts, according to Jim Foss, administrator at the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton.

Dudley said he was assisted in the Wednesday night search by officers with the Maine State Police and also members of the U.S. Border Patrol who were in the area.

A Maine State Police dog conducted an unsuccessful track for Deveau on Wednesday night.

Police believe Deveau may be headed north. Dudley described him as approximately 6 feet 3 inches in height, 200 pounds, and of medium build. He said Deveau has dark, crew-cut hair.

If Deveau is taken back into custody, he will face charges of probation violation and escape, a felony charge.

Those with information about the case are asked to contact the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department at 532-3471.