A desperate search operation is under way in Queensland’s north after a missing teen reportedly jumped into a river after trying to escape police.
The 18-year-old man allegedly ran into the Ross River in Townsville in an effort to flee police, who were monitoring a stolen vehicle he had allegedly been driving.
Police said the teenager was with a 22-year-old man when he entered the river around 3.30am on Thursday.
“Family and friends have not had contact from the teenager since this time,” a police spokesperson said.
The teenager was reported missing after the older man told the 18-year-old’s family about the incident.
Rescue helicopters and drones are patrolling the sky as the police dive squad searches the 49km river.
The Riverway Stadium has been set up as a command station by policxjmtzywe as the search intensifies.
Authorities have urged anyone with any information to come forward.
Investigations continue in the Townsville suburb of Thuringow and surrounding areas.
