Man extradited from South Australia for alleged theft of gyrocopter fuel and police pursuit

Thursday, 17 July 2025 10:36:05 AM

A man has been extradited from South Australia after he allegedly stole fuel from multiple rural properties in Wilcannia and ran from police in a pursuit earlier this month.

On Wednesday 9 July 2025, officers attached to Barrier Police District commenced an investigation into the theft of fuel from several rural properties in Wilcannia.

During the investigation police identified that the fuel had allegedly been stolen by a rural contractor after he posted videos online admitting to stealing fuel from a gyrocopter and a Can-Am buggy.

Following inquiries, officers from Wilcannia Police Station located the 24-year-old man on the Barrier Highway about 9pm Thursday 10 July 2025.

Police attempted to speak to the man; however, he left the scene in a Toyota SUV.

Officers directed the driver to stop; however, when he allegedly failed to do so a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued until it reached Opal Miners Way, White Cliffs, where the Toyota drove into bushland and police terminated the pursuit.

Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to Rural Crime Prevention Team (RCPT) – with assistance from South Australia Police – arrested the 24-year-old man in Port Augusta, South Australia, on Tuesday 15 July 2025.

He was taken to Port Augusta Police Station where he was extradited to Broken Hill Police Station.

The man was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly and Larceny less than $2,000.

The 24-year-old was also charged by virtue of an outstanding warrant.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 4 today (Thursday 17 July 2025).

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