Man tries to evade police by hiding in thermal pool

A man is in hospital after hiding in a thermal pool while trying to evade police.

The man was allegedly stealing from cars in the central city when he was pursued by two dog handlers to the Sulphur Flats area near the Polynesian Pools.

“The police dog tracked to a hot pool and the officers found the man completely immersed trying to hide,” said District Commander Glenn Dunbier.

The man voluntarily got out of the pool after he realised his ruse was up and was arrested and handcuffed by the officers.

“He was walking back to the police car when he suddenly took off and dived into another thermal pool. He came up but immediately disappeared under the water again. The officers immediately realised he was in trouble and one of the offiers leapt in and dragged him to safety.

“He was given first aid at the scene and taken to hospital. He was in a critical condition but is improving.”

Superintendent Dunbier said both the officer was fine.

“If the officer hadn’t jumped in straight away, then it most likely would have been quite a different outcome.. and the officer did it without any thought to his own safety.”

The man is likely to be changed with several offences.