Police are continuing to search bushland in the Nowendoc area for NSW’s most wanted man, Malcolm Naden who has evaded capture since 2005.
Naden, 38, is wanted on warrants for the murder of a 24-year-old woman in Dubbo in June 2005 and an aggravated indecent assault against a 15-year-old girl. It is also believed he can assist police with their inquiries into the disappearance of a 24-year-old woman at Dubbo in January 2005.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad have been investigating the whereabouts of Naden under Strike Force Durkin, and recent inquiries led them to dense bushland near Nowendoc.
On Wednesday (December 7, 2011), specialist officers began moving in on a campsite before a shot was fired toward police, striking an officer in the shoulder.
The injured officer was treated at John Hunter Hospital and later released and is recovering.
Police were unable to identify the shooter but believe they were close to locating Naden.
Specialist forensics officers have examined the campsite and a number of the items located will undergo further forensic testing.
Police have established a command post at the Nowendoc Memorial Hall.
The extensive search operation involves a number of specialist police units and officers from local area commands throughout Northern and Western Regions.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Carlene York, said police are facing a number of challenges in this initiative.
“The area includes rugged terrain which can be physically gruelling due to dense bushland and reduces visibility both on the ground and from the air,” Assistant Commissioner York said.
“Our tactical operations unit officers are trained in bush survival and undergo extensive training with other agencies to ensure they are at the top of their game.
“They are being assisted by the Dog Unit and PolAir, however, the weather conditions and visibility are hampering the search efforts.
“We are systematically searching the heavily-forested environment, and utilising every available resource to locate this man,” she said.
Additional resources are being deployed to the remote command post and new logistics are being established as part of the on-going search commitment.
Police continue to remind rural and remote residents in the Nowendoc area to remain vigilant by ensuring their homes, vehicles and other property are secure.
Any suspicious activity in the area should be reported to Triple Zero (000).
Naden is described as being 177cm tall with a medium build, brown eyes and possibly a moustache and/or beard.
Police believe Naden is armed and warn people not to approach him under any circumstances.
Police are still appealing for information that may assist their investigation.
A reward of $250,000 is now in place for information leading to the capture of Naden.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
