Police search for man evading police in Lake Burley Griffin.

ACT Policing has today been investigating the circumstances surrounding a man who jumped in Lake Burley Griffin to evade police arrest.

About 1.15am this morning (Monday, 28 December 2020), officers had followed a car to Lake Burley Griffin. A man and woman fled the car, with the woman located and arrested by police a short time later.

Police followed the man on foot and he jumped into Lake Burley Griffin. The man was last seen about 100m from the water’s edge near Kings Avenue.

In an attempt to find the man, AFP Maritime and the Toll SouthCare Rescue helicopter assisted search efforts. ACT Fire & Rescue and the ACT Ambulance Service also attended.

Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said police today sought to confirm the identity of the man.

“Visibility at that time of the morning was poor, so we also undertook a thorough search of the area that he was last seen to find more information about the incident,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.

“There are several persons of interest who we have identified as connected to this incident, and will be continuing our enquiries, which includes speaking to witnesses. I expect there will be further charges laid in the future.”

The car the man had been travelling in with the woman was seen by police earlier in the morning, in connection to a fail to stop incident and pursuit for other traffic and property related matters.

Two other women also connected to this incident were located at another location and arrested by police. All three women today faced the ACT Magistrates Court.

“I’d encourage anyone who has information to come forward to help with our investigation,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6703239. Information can be provided anonymously.

Text: ACT Policing