Concern for man after pursuit at Bourke, NSW

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man who may be able to assist with inquiries following a pursuit in the state’s west today

About 8.15am (Saturday 18 June 2022), officers attached to the Central North Police District attempted to pull over an alleged stolen Toyota Hilux utility travelling on Long Meadows Road at Bourke.

The vehicle failed to comply, and a pursuit commenced. The male driver of the vehicle drove the utility into the Darling River.

Both males were seen to exit the vehicle and swim to the opposite side of the river where they returned to land and began running way from the bank.

Officer’s commenced a search and at 9.30am located one of the men hiding in bushland.

The 25-year-old man was arrested and taken to Bourke Police Station where he is currently assisting with inquiries.

Police are now searching for a second man at the scene. He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build. He was last seen wearing dark clothing.

Police hold concerns for the welfare of the man due to the cold climate and wet conditions.

A crime scene has been established as officers continue to search for the second man with the assistance of the NSW Police drone operator.

Anyone with information about this incident, or notices anyone matching the description, is urged to contact Central North Police District on (02) 6870 0899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

/Public Release. View in full here.