A man wanted over a string of violent offences remains on the run after allegedly leading police on a cross-border pursuit before abandoning a stolen Bentley and swimming across a river to evade capture.
Jayden Day, who is wanted over a shooting and a crowbar attack in Victoria's northwest, was spotted driving a stolen dark-coloured Bentley on Biralee Avenue in Mildura about 7.20am on Wednesday. Police initiated a pursuit, with a woman also believed to be inside the luxury vehicle.
The chase crossed into NSW before the Bentley was abandoned near Alfred Elms Road in Trentham Cliffs. Investigators believe Day and the woman then swam across the Murray River and made their way back into Victoria.
Police have released an image of Day as they appeal for information about his whereabouts. He was last seen wearing shorts or underpants and no shirt, while the woman was last seen wearing a dark-coloured G-string and a jacket with no top underneath. The pair may be only partially clothed following the river crossing, police said.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, with police warning the pair may attempt to gain access to another vehicle. Investigators have also not ruled out the possibility that Day may still be armed.
Day's alleged crime spree
Day is believed to have been involved in a series of incidents across the Mildura region over the past week. Police allege he broke into a Hawthorne Grove home shortly after 1am on Thursday and fired a shot at a 25-year-old man believed to be known to him. The bullet grazed the top of the man's head, causing minor injuries. Police say Day then fled the scene in a white dual cab ute.
Six days later, police allege he and another man jumped the fence of a backpackers' hostel on Indi Ave in Red Cliffs about 1.50am on Tuesday. The pair allegedly entered a room and struck a 61-year-old man in the head with a crowbar. The victim was rushed to hospital with injuries and has since been released. Police allege the pair fled in the same stolen dark-coloured Bentley later involved in Wednesday's pursuit.
Following the investigation, a 28-year-old Mildura man was arrested after police executed a warrant at a Keam Street home on Tuesday night. He was taken to hospital and remains under police guard.
Superintendent Tom Nairn urged Day to "do the right thing" and hand himself in. "Police have been working hard to locate this man since last week, with the events this morning of particular concern to us," Nairn said. "I am urging the public to be on the lookout for Day and if they see him and his female associate, not to approach him and to call triple-0 immediately. If people notice any suspicious activity, including someone approaching their property or vehicle, then we want you to contact police immediately. Given Day has been involved in the theft of several vehicles already, it is likely he may try and source another car. He has been seen in the Mildura area several times over the past week, however we can't rule out the possibility that he may travel to NSW or South Australia. I also urge Day to do the right thing and come forward and speak with police before the situation escalates further."
Anyone with information about the incidents or Day's whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
