Drone downfall of Reedy Marsh residents on edge as police search for man wanted over murder

A fugitive who spent ­almost 24 hours avoiding police was caught in bushland after a dramatic manhunt in Tasmania’s North after the alleged murder of another man. LATEST >>

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A FUGITIVE who spent ­almost 24 hours avoiding police was caught in bushland after a dramatic manhunt in Tasmania’s North.

The operator of a police drone spotted the 47-year-old, who was allegedly armed with a large knife, at Park­ham, near Elizabeth Town, leading to his arrest soon after.

Police said the man put up “mild resistance” but was ­apprehended by Special ­Operations Group officers about 3.55pm.

The man was wanted for questioning as part of a murder investigation following the suspicious death on Tuesday of a 69-year-old man at nearby Reedy Marsh. No charges had been laid at the time of publication last night.

The victim was found dead inside his Reedy Marsh house but police on Wednesday remained tight-lipped about the cause of his death.

Police on Tuesday night said the offender may have been armed with a bat-type weapon.

The fugitive’s capture ended a day of thorough searching by authorities, including members of CIB and uniform officers as well as the Westpac Helicopter and drones. Locations searched included Parkham and surrounding areas of Reedy Marsh, near Deloraine.

Tasmania Police Acting Commander Stuart Wilkinson thanked Parkham community members who gave police “valuable information” during the search.

Tasmania Police Acting Commander (Inspector) Stuart Wilkinson speaks to media in Launceston.

He said police would allege the man was in possession of a knife at the time of his arrest but did not try to use it.

Inspector Wilkinson credited a drone being used by ­officers as critical to the ­fugitive’s arrest.

“The drone operator observed him ­appearing to move towards an outbuilding and he was ­obviously aware he had been seen,’’ he said.

“He then made movement back towards bushland where he’s more comfortable and our officers at that stage engaged him on foot and subsequently arrested him.

“He offered mild resistance and was overcome without significant injury to him or our members.

Police man a roadblock on Davies Rd, Parkham

“We don’t think there’s anybody else involved in this matter and we don’t have any concerns for the safety of the community in and around that Parkham area.”

Inspector Wilkinson said the victim of the alleged murder died in his own home.

The victim’s 60-year-old wife was wounded in the altercation and was treated for lacerations but later released.

Three other people — a 28-year-old woman, a 39-year-old man and a 44-year-old man — were taken into police custody on Tuesday night before being released without charge.

Inspector Wilkinson said local residents had been advised to be alert and a number had chosen to leave the area until the wanted man was found.

Residents appeared on edge across Wednesday afternoon as police searched cars travelling to and from the areas.

Earlier in the day, the Tuson family said they first heard emergency service vehicles speed past their historic Reedy Marsh property about 5pm on Tuesday. “We didn’t get a door knock from police but the ­Deloraine rumour mill kicked in pretty fast and we heard there had [allegedly] been a murder up the road,” Holly Tuson said from the family home Brooklyn Lodge.

Concerned resident Holly Tuson

“About 10pm, we heard choppers right over the house and lights were sweeping the property. Then we heard the bloke had been sighted between Johns Rd and River Rd right near us.

“We really should have been told what was going on.

“We have been on guard in the past when there have been escapes from Ashley Youth Detention Centre which is nearby as the crow flies, but nothing like this.”