Cameron Thomson: Batemans Bay: alleged police runaway found in makeshift shelter

Police allege the wanted man was held up in a makeshift shelter on the shore of the Clyde River, despite warnings of heavy rains and severe storm conditions.

An alleged thief who fled from police custody chose to fend for himself amid severe storms and heavy rain before officers recaptured the man in a makeshift, riverside shelter.

Police will allege Cameron Joel Thomson escaped from police custody on High St in Batemans Bay about 12.30pm, February 28.

The 28-year-old was wanted for a string of property offences, including aggravated break and enter and car theft.

Following an appeal to the public, south coast police officers recaptured the man in a makeshift shelter on the banks of the Clyde River, near Surfside, about 2.30pm on March 1, police allege.

The daring attempt to hide from police came the same day a storm system which has left much of the state underwater was due to hit the area.

An oyster farmer on the Clyde River at Bateman's Bay on the southern NSW coast.

On March 2, Batemans Bay was forecast to receive as much as 200mm of rain.

The deluge is likely to swell rivers throughout the region, including the Clyde River, with severe flood warnings being issued for the Moruya and Bega Rivers.

Thomson will remain in custody after being refused bail on March 2.

He will front the Batemans Bay Local Court on May 5, charged with ten offences, including;

• breaking and entering a house and destroying property,
• aggravated break and enter without knowing the person there,
• stealing and driving a vehicle,
• driving a motor vehicle while licence suspended,
• driving in the dark with no lights on,
• two counts of possessing goods suspected to be stolen,
• two counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, carry a cutting weapon upon apprehension,
• escaping police custody,
• and, resisting an officer in the execution of duty.