Manhunt for prisoner who escaped from police at hospital

Friday, 5 December 2025 06:15

The public are being urged not to approach the man who is accused of threatening police with a hammer.

A manhunt is underway in western Adelaide today to find a prisoner who escaped custody.

Police arrested the 36-year-old after officers attempted to stop him about 11.20am yesterday for riding a bicycle at Glenelg North in the city without a helmet.

He refused to comply before entering a property on Inverarity Place, where he allegedly raised a hammer in a threatening manner before charging at police trying to strike them.

Officers deployed pepper spray to restrain and arrest him.

A taser weapon found in his bag by police was seized along with the hammer.

The man was later charged with assaulting an emergency worker, carrying a banned weapon and resisting police.

He was refused bail and was scheduled to appear in 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 while being escorted to a police vehicle in the hospital car park, the man broke free and ran away.

His current whereabouts are unknown. Police launched a major hunt, with aircraft and the dog squad called in.

The man, from the Adelaide suburb of Sturt, 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 yesterday should call police immediately on 131 444 or call Triple Zero in an emergency and quote 312708.

The public are being urged not to approach the man but to report any sightings immediately.

Police also warn anyone helping the man hide from or evade officers, may also be committing an offence.

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