Manhunt for Escaped Youths Continues: Tasmania Plunged into Chaos as Seven Detainees Break Out of Ashley Youth Detention Centre, Leaving Trail of Destruction and Injured Staff
- Seven detainees, aged 14 to 17, escaped from Ashley Youth Detention Centre in Tasmania’s north, sparking a massive manhunt
- Three staff members were injured during the violent breakout, including one who was stabbed and received facial injuries
- Five of the escaped youths are back in custody, but two remain on the run, leaving the community on high alert
A dramatic and chaotic scene unfolded in Tasmania’s north last night as seven detainees made a daring escape from Ashley Youth Detention Centre, leaving a trail of destruction and injured staff in their wake. The incident has sparked a massive manhunt, with police working around the clock to recapture the two remaining escapees.
According to police, the detainees, aged 14 to 17, broke out of the centre just before 7pm on Thursday, stealing a blue Subaru WRX from the detention centre car park. The vehicle was later located in the Penguin area on the north-west coast, where the youths allegedly commandeered another vehicle from a member of the public at knifepoint.
Three staff members were injured during the incident, including one who was stabbed and received facial injuries. The injured staff member has since been released from hospital, but the incident has left the community shaken.
“The assault last night occurred as a result of the incident at the facility,” Police Commander Marco Ghedini said. “Since that time, the young people that are outstanding have not given us any indication that they pose any threat to the community.”
Despite the police assurances, the community remains on high alert, with many expressing frustration at the lack of information provided by authorities. Andrew McMahon, a local resident, said he was confused and concerned when he heard a helicopter approaching his house on Thursday night.
“I went outside and looked, and the helicopter was illuminating the sea and shore, and once it was pretty much over our house, it turned around and returned towards Penguin, still with the search lights on,” Mr McMahon said. “I had to call police to find out what was happening, and I was frustrated by the lack of clarity given to the public.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he was “very, very concerned” about the incident and had spoken to the centre manager to pass on his thoughts and best wishes to those who were injured. He also announced that there would be an investigation into the incident.
The Ashley Youth Detention Centre has been plagued by controversy in recent years, with a Commission of Inquiry recommending its closure in 2022. The centre is now slated for closure in early 2028, once a replacement facility has been built. However, critics say that the government has dragged its heels on the issue, and that the centre remains a “broken model”.
“There could be a number of reasons why the teenagers escaped, but again it’s an indication that Ashley’s just got to close,” said Greg Barns SC, chair of the Prisoners Legal Service. “The government has dragged its heels on this, and there are serious issues around the ‘new Ashley’, if you like, but it does demonstrate that you’ve got a broken system.”
As the manhunt continues, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The two remaining escapees are described as being between 170 centimetres and 180 centimetres tall and wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 131 444.