Source : Perth Now news
A man accused of holding a woman captive at gunpoint and assaulting her on multiple occasions over several days in Far North Queensland has been arrested after a two-day police hunt.
Ryan Symonds, 34, was taken into custody at Miallo on Monday after the woman allegedly escaped on Saturday and flagged down a police officer.
Police said they seized a firearm at the time of the arrest.
Far Northern Region Detective Inspector Kevin Goan, speaking before the arrest, described the woman’s ordeal as “a harrowing experience … over a number of days”.
Police alleged the woman escaped on Saturday morning at Mount Molloy, about 90 minutes northwest of Cairns, when she flagged down an officer in a marked police car.
“We’re very grateful that she is safe and assisting us with our investigations,” Inspector Goan said.
Authorities also indicated the woman was being supported with help from other agencies.
The search for Symonds stretched across several parts of Far North Queensland, with police earlier believing he had moved through areas including the Northern Beaches, the Tablelands and the Cassowary Coast.
Before his arrest, investigators also believed he was travelling near Oak Beach with his dog, a brown Kelpie cross, in a stolen black-grey Toyota Land Cruiser ute.
Inspector Goan warned that Symonds appeared determined to avoid police detection and posed a danger on the road.
“He has been motivated to avoid police detection,” Inspector Goan said.
“He’s demonstrated a willingness to drive at speed and in doing so, he presents a risk to our community by putting other motorists at risk.”
Police also believed he had strong bush skills, which added to the challenge of tracking him through remote country.
