Police nab runaway man after he tries to swim to freedom

Police have arrested a bloke with outstanding warrants who dived into a lake to swim to freedom because, they said, he was ‘eager to remain out of custody’, but unfortunately swimming wasn’t his forte.

A man tried to swim through Sanctuary Lakes in Palmerston attempts to escape police. Picture: Justin Kennedy

A man will finally have his day in court after he was caught by Police while trying to escape, swimming through Sanctuary Lakes.

Northern Territory Northern Watch Commander Michael Valladares said the man was spotted by an off duty police officer who called for back up on Sunday.

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“About 12.30 yesterday an off duty police officer recognised an arrest target who was wanted on several outstanding warrants, walking in the suburb of Gunn,” he said.

“The off duty member called for the assistance for members of Palmerston general duties who arrived shortly after.”

Cmdr Valladares said the man was eager to remain out of custody and took to the nearby Sanctuary Lakes to try and get away.

“After seeing police vehicles, the wanted man attempted to run away and after a short foot pursuit he jumped into Sanctuary Lakes and began swimming to Bakewell,” he said.

“Swimming wasn’t his forte either and the lakes offered him no Sanctuary at all and Police officers arrested him on the other side and he faces court today.”

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The man wanted after three different arrest warrants had been issued for failing to appear in court and will face court on Monday.