General News
29 January, 2025
Police under review after prisoner makes a dash at airport
Procedures will be examined after a brief escape at Mount Isa's airport.
Mount Isa police will review its procedures when transporting prisoners after a 28-year-old man escaped the custody of officers at the airport last week.
Fortunately, the Mornington Island man was caught again relatively quickly, although that didn’t stop a full-blown search as he tried to flee into the scrub surrounding the airport.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning.
“The man was at the Mount Isa Airport waiting to be transported with several other prisoners,” a police spokesperson said.
“Police will allege, around 7.20am, the man jumped out of the parked police van and ran a short distance before he was apprehended by police and taken into custody.
“No one was injured during the incident.”
The Mornington Island man was charged with escaping custody and appeared in the Mount Isa Magistrates Court last Thursday.
North West Weekly understands the man managed to get outside the main area of the airport and the “short distance” could have been up to a kilometre.
However, Mount Isa Superintendent Tom Armitt said there was no risk to public safety during the man’s attempt to flee.
“Police acted quickly to cordon off the area around the airport and were supported by airport security teams,” he said.
“The offender was brought back into custody swiftly and has been charged.
“I will be working with local officers to review the incident.”