Imagine waking up one morning to find that a prisoner has escaped from a local correctional facility on a tractor. Sounds like a scene from a movie, right?
Well, this is exactly what happened in Far North Queensland. Michael Graeme Rennie, a 43-year-old inmate, allegedly absconded from the Lotus Glen Low Custody Correctional Centre on June 1.
But, after a thorough search, he has finally been found in the small coastal community of Cow Bay, approximately 120km north-east of the facility.
The Investigation Unfolds
So, how did Rennie manage to escape and travel over 100 kilometres to Cow Bay? Police are still trying to piece together the events of that day.
According to Detective Inspector Jason Chetham, Rennie was arrested without incident at a bush camp in Cow Bay, where he was found in the company of a 48-year-old woman from Rocky Point.
The police are currently investigating how Rennie moved from the remote Mareeba location to Cow Bay, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Search for the Tractor Continues
But, there’s still one missing piece of the puzzle – the red tractor that Rennie allegedly used to escape.
The tractor is still on the loose, and police are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to its recovery. If you have any information, you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Rennie, on the other hand, has been charged with escaping lawful custody, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and possession of dangerous drugs. He is expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court later today.
A Closer Look at the Accused
Rennie was serving a six-year sentence at the Lotus Glen Correctional Facility for serious assault, theft, and burglary.
It’s not clear how he managed to escape, but police say that he has a good deal of bushcraft, which suggests that he may have been able to survive off the grid.
The police are still investigating how Rennie planned and executed his escape, and they are working to ensure that such an incident does not happen again in the future.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, Rennie will face the consequences of his actions.
The police are commended for their hard work in tracking down the escaped prisoner, and the community can rest assured that justice is being served.
But, the question remains – how did Rennie manage to escape on a tractor, and what can be done to prevent such incidents in the future?
Only time will tell as the police continue to investigate and piece together the events of that day.