Family turns in man after search
HE WASTED the resources of three different organisations during a two day air, river and land search.
The man whom police, SES and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter teams sought after he jumped into the Tweed River in an effort to evade police on Thursday night was reported safe and well by his family 4pm (NSW) on Saturday.
Acting Inspector Jason Dowds said police were yet to speak to the man who would likely claim he did not realise he was the subject of a search.
"He actually got out of the river that night (Thursday)," Insp Dowds said.
"He's safe and well after he left us searching for him for two days.
"It would have been good if he'd let us know earlier, as we had police divers come up from Sydney - a stack of resources.
"He would've known we were looking for him."
The inspector said he was glad the person of interest was alive.
"Even though we're chasing him for offences that doesn't mean we want him to drown in the river."
Police wish to question the man in relation to a motor vehicle theft the same day he fled into the river.
But Insp Dowds said he was not likely to face additional charges because of the extensive search for him.
"We want to speak to him in relation to the original theft," he said.
