ANSONIA, Conn. - Ansonia police were searching Wednesday for a 450-pound woman who, despite confinement in leg shackles, escaped custody.

Teryl Edwards, 29, was arrested by police in her Ansonia apartment Friday night. She was accused of stealing clothes at a Derby department store where she worked.

Edwards is considered dangerous because she will “fight with police,'’ said Lt. Michael Abbels.

She resisted arrest by throwing items and scuffling with police officers who sustained minor bruises and scrapes, Abbels said.

Once in custody, Edwards complained about not feeling well and was taken to Griffin Hospital in Derby at 10:30 p.m. in handcuffs and leg shackles.

An officer guarded Edwards, whose handcuffs were removed, as she was having X-rays taken. Abbels said she apparently slipped out the back door.

Edwards, who is black and is 5 feet 11 inches, was last seen wearing a white shirt, black pants and the shackles.

She is wanted on charges of larceny, escape from custody, assault on a police officer and interfering with a police officer.

Police were searching for her in Derby, New Haven and Waterbury where she has ties to friends and family, Abbels said.