Stand- off ends as cops grab fugitive
A MAN arrested after an eight- hour stand- off with police yesterday has been sent straight back to jail on a “return to prison” warrant.
Police received information early yesterday that the man, also wanted for domestic violence offences and a break and enter, was holed up at a residence in Goodwin St, Currajong.
Police set up a perimeter about 1am, with more than 20 uniformed, plainclothes and dog squad officers surrounding the property.
Police negotiators also spoke with the man via microphone in an attempt to end the stand- off peacefully.
Police said the 26- year- old Townsville man tried to run from the property just before 9am, but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
Inspector Roger Whyte praised the officers at the scene for their patience, persistence and success in arresting the man.
“We had a pretty good win today. Kudos to all the men and women in blue,” he said.
“I’m proud to say on this occasion it has paid off and we have a property offender behind bars.”
Insp Whyte said police received information that the man may have been armed and investigators were investigating whether the man had weapons.
“The safest possible way for our community is to position police strategically in a safe, confined area where if the offender was to leave he would be apprehended very quickly with minimal fuss,” he said.
“The use of police negotiators to assist in that process was overwhelmingly successful.
“There was no threats made with regards to any intent whatsoever to cause harm to police, but at the end of the day we need to make sure that everything is secure and that we look after not only our safety but the safety of the community.”
The man was released from prison some time ago and remains in police custody while further charges are being investigated.
“He decided that he would try and run away from the dwelling and unfortunately for him, we were there en masse and he was captured without any drama whatsoever,” Insp Whyte said. “There is a return to prison warrant and that’s where he will be going.”
Neighbour Luke Cashion- Lozell witnessed the stand- off from about 6am when negotiators began speaking with the man via a microphone.
“It was a pretty big operation,” he said. “I really think the police are quite patient. I can’t believe they all stood there that whole time.”
Mr Cashion- Lozell said negotiators tried to reason with the man for about two hours, then used a highpitched alarm to get his attention.
“They were just repeating the same message that they were surrounded and to come out,” he said.
“They asked him to get on the ground, then they cuffed him.
“He looked pretty shocked, he’d just woken up.”
Mr Cashion- Lozell said he had not witnessed a police stand- off in the Currajong area before.
“The street is very quiet, it’s actually a really great street,” he said. like