Police are currently searching the western suburbs after a man escaped from police custody.
At about 11.20am yesterday (Thursday 5 December), police attempted to stop a man riding a bicycle on Tapley's Hill Road, Glenelg North, after observing him without a helmet. The man refused to stop and was last seen entering a property on Inverarity Place, where he allegedly raised a hammer in a threatening manner before charging at police and attempting to strike them.
Police deployed OC spray, enabling officers to restrain and arrest the man. A search of the man and his backpack revealed a taser inside. Both the hammer and taser were seized by police.
The 36-year-old man from Sturt was charged with assaulting a prescribed emergency worker, carrying an offensive weapon, carrying a prohibited weapon, and resisting police. He was refused bail and was scheduled to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
While in custody, the man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a medical assessment. Just before 9.30pm, after being released from hospital and whilst being escorted back to a police vehicle in the hospital car park, the man broke free and fled on foot.
His current whereabouts are unknown. A significant police presence is in the Woodville area and surrounding suburbs, with resources including Polair and Dog Operations assisting in the search.
The man is described as of Aboriginal appearance, approximately 170cm tall, weighing 60kg, with short black hair and stubble facial hair. He was last seen wearing a blue medical gown and is handcuffed at the front.
Anyone who sees the man or witnessed him near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital around 9.30pm is urged to contact police immediately on 131 444 or call 000 in an emergency and quote 312708.
Police warn the public not to approach the man but to report any sightings immediately. Police also warn anyone assisting the man to hide from or evade police, may also be committing offence.
