Suspect hacked off GPS tracker

A MAN who cut off a GPS tracker so he could go on a crime spree across North Queensland was arrested by Townsville police yesterday morning.

The 18- year- old Currajong man had been wanted by police since his parole- issued GPS ankle bracelet was removed on November 17.

Townsville Tactical Crime Squad officer- in- charge Senior Sergeant Jason Shepherd said the man and a 17- year- old male accomplice from Kelso were arrested by police in Hugh St.

Sen- Sgt Shepherd said charges were expected to be laid today regarding a number of property offences allegedly committed by the pair in Townsville, Ingham and Cairns.

“Unfortunately, as we predicted ( when the GPS was removed) the suspect has what we suspect committed a number of property crime offences,” Sen- Sgt Shepherd said.

He said police had been searching for the 18- year- old offender since November 17 and were visiting his known associates in an effort to track him down.

He said officers witnessed the pair enter a car at a family member’s address when police stopped the vehicle from leaving the driveway.

Police rushed the car and had to smash windows to get to the offenders.

“There was a bit of a struggle,” Sen- Sgt Shepherd said.

“The officers involved did try to get into the vehicle in a hurry so they were trying to break glass because the vehicle was locked and to try and stop the vehicle from getting away.”

Sen- Sgt Shepherd said CCTV footage and witness statements allegedly connected the pair to offences in Cairns and possibly Ingham.

The men were remanded in custody with charges pending.

They are expected to appear in court today.