Police are calling for information and dash cam footage following an alleged prison escape from Risdon Prison this morning.
Inspector Brett Berry said that police including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were deployed following a report of a man escaping custody from Risdon Prison about 9.05am.
"While the investigation is in its early stages, police believe the man allegedly stole a white Ford Ranger utility at a nearby Risdon Vale property and drove north along the East Derwent Highway to Gagebrook.
"The man was located about 20 minutes later near Jordan River Bridge at Gagebrook on the East Derwent Highway. The man was arrested after a vehicle he was travelling with was successfully spiked by responding police," he said.
One police officer and the offender received minor injuries in the incident and are receiving medical treatment.
Inspector Berry said that the offender was not armed, however subsequent police investigations have revealed that an unloaded shotgun was securely locked in a compartment underneath the rear tray of the stolen vehicle, unbeknownst to the offender.
"The offender was not aware of the firearm and did not have access to it at any stage," he said.
Inspector Berry congratulated responding police on safely resolving the incident within minutes.
"The time between being notified of the offender's escape and the man being taken safely into custody was just 20 minutes. It's testament to the excellent police work of all involved and helpful information from the community," Inspector Berry said.
Investigations into the incident are continuing.
Anyone with information or dash cam footage of a white Ford Ranger utility registration E10CV driving erratically on the eastern shore should contact Police on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
