Man’s dash for freedom finally foiled

A wanted fugitive tried his luck in a dash for freedom in Wagin last week, leading to a near 600km police chase across WA.

Shannon Ross Norton, 32, was wanted on a Return to Prison Warrant when he allegedly broke into a Wagin property, stealing a 2004 Toyota Hilux at 3.40 am on Sunday, January 13 before what police believed was a dash to the border.

Mr Norton along with an unidentified man, also wanted on an arrest warrant, then drove east in the stolen white Hilux allegedly committing two more crimes — in Dumbleyung and Lake Grace.

Last Monday night police appealed to the public for information, issuing an urgent whereabouts sought, to media outlets.

Police urged the public not to approach Mr Norton, saying he may be able to assist in an investigation into an armed robbery and stolen motor vehicle incidents. Mr Norton was described by police as fair-skinned with a slim build about 178cm tall.

Police finally found the pair on Tuesday last week in remote bushland near a track in Salmon Gums, about 106km north of Esperance.

Mr Norton has been returned to custody and inquiries will continue into associated charges.

The unidentified man he was with faced Kalgoorlie Magistrate’s Court on January 16, while inquiries will continue with him.

The Hilux allegedly stolen from Wagin has not yet been found and police believe it is still in remote bushland near Salmon Gums.