New images released of sex offender Randall Hopley as search continues

Authorities have released new surveillance images of Randall Hopley, the convicted sex offender who has been on the loose since removing his electronic ankle monitor last weekend in Vancouver.

According to the Vancouver Police Department, the images depict Hopley as he was dressed when he left his halfway house in the Downtown Eastside on Saturday afternoon, showing the fugitive wearing distinctive running shoes and pulling some kind of cart.

Hopley never returned to his halfway house, where he was living as a condition of his 10-year long-term supervision order, and his whereabouts remain unknown five days later.

"We believe Hopley is taking deliberate steps to avoid being found, and he may be hiding out in a rural or isolated area," Const. Tania Visintin said in a statement Wednesday.

Authorities said there are 18 full-time investigators assigned to catching Hopley, with additional support from the city's frontline patrol officers from various policing units.

Dozens of potential sightings of the sex offender have been reported everywhere from Richmond to Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast.

Officers have searched businesses Hopley was known to frequent, scoured beaches and parks, and notified airlines, border guards and BC Ferries about his disappearance, but have so far been unable to track the offender down.

"We’re working around the clock," said Visintin. "We share the fear and anxiety the community feels over his disappearance, given his history of violent offences against children, and we thank everyone for their patience and support while we work (to) bring Hopley back into custody."

Authorities say Randall Hopley was wearing "distinctive running shoes" when he failed to return to his Vancouver halfway house.

The sex offender was scheduled to appear in court Monday to face two counts of breaching his supervision order. He was allegedly found at a public library in the presence of children, in violation of his release conditions.

Hopley has a history of convictions for assault, property crimes and sexual offences, including three involving children. He notoriously abducted a three-year-old boy from the community of Sparwood in 2011, triggering a Canada-wide manhunt.

Authorities said Hopley took the boy from his family home then held him captive in a cabin for four days before returning the child physically unharmed.

The fugitive is described as 5'9" with short, dark hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black baseball hat, black pants, a black fanny pack and dark blue running shoes with white markings and soles.

He's also recognizable by a dark birthmark or mole near the hairline on the left side of his head.

Authorities have urged anyone who spots Hopley not to approach him, but to instead call 911. Other information relevant to the case can be provided to Vancouver police at 604-717-0601.