Public help chase down farm fugitive
ESCAPEE CAUGHT AFTER CAR CHAOS
AN INMATE who allegedly escaped the low-security Townsville farm is back behind bars after almost a week on the run and is believed to be linked to stolen cars that caused havoc across the city.
Bodhi James Barry Johnson, 23, was yesterday afternoon charged with escaping lawful custody and trespassing.
Police said it was believed the man was involved with a group of people who were driving stolen cars around the city yesterday.
Johnson was chased by members of the public and officers and taken into custody about 12.30pm, close to a dumped stolen vehicle.
Early investigations indicate the man was a passenger in one of the cars.
Police were aware of up to four stolen cars that were spotted driving dangerously and later dumped yesterday.
One of the vehicles was involved in a crash at Woolcock St at West End.
“The group that got out of that car got into a second car and that’s driven off and continued on … (a) dangerous driving spree,” a Queensland Police Service spokesman said.
A witness, who claimed he was rammed by one of the vehicles, said: “I just knew it was stolen by the way it was driving.
“There was two, a black Jeep and a blue 4WD.”
Police said the Jeep was later dumped at the Mater Hospital, near to where Johnson was arrested.
The owner of the vehicle, Jason Holmes, said neighbours had heard a car reversing and driving off loudly from his Burdell property about 4am.
“I had my keys next to me on my bed … so they’ve actually reached over the top of me and grabbed my keys and then gone downstairs and let themselves out through the garage,” Mr Holmes said.
“They’ve buckled the front door handle to gain entry to the house.
“The fact that they actually came into the house while we were sleeping (was frightening) … you don’t actually know what it feels like until it happens to you.
“I’m upset, angry because (my car) is pride and joy.”
Police were still searching for other members of the group and were continuing their investigations.
Johnson allegedly escaped from the Townsville low security prison farm last Monday night.
He was serving six years behind bars for driving causing death after he pleaded guilty for his actions in Bowen District Court in 2016.
Johnson will appear in Townsville Magistrates Court today. He is expected to face further charges.
Johnson was the third prisoner to allegedly escape from the low-security facility in 12 months.