Western Australian police are urgently searching for an alleged fugitive who they believe is "actively avoiding" authorities after a woman was shot in the hand at a remote property near Mullewa.
Major Outback Manhunt Underway
It has now been close to five days since the incident, which occurred around 5.30pm last Wednesday at a property on Urawa Road, north of Perth. The shooting triggered a major emergency response, but the wanted man, 58-year-old Kenneth John Giles, has not been seen since he drove east from the scene into WA's vast Mid West region.
Acting Superintendent Ben Huggett told a press conference on Monday that despite an extensive search involving the Tactical Response Group, Police Air Wing, local officers, and specialist tracking teams, there have been no confirmed sightings. "We're exploring all options including that he's left the state," Huggett said.
An Experienced Bushman Evading Capture
Police describe Giles as an experienced bushman with "strong survival skills," which is complicating the search efforts. "He's actively avoiding us, we believe," Huggett stated, acknowledging the challenge this presents. Authorities suspect Giles is most likely still within the Mid West-Gascoyne district, which remains the focus of the operation.
Giles is believed to be armed and is thought to be travelling in a white Nissan Patrol ute with the registration 1BIY336. As part of the investigation, police have searched a large number of cattle stations and farms and have seized firearms from multiple properties, though these are not necessarily linked to the shooting.
Police Issue Direct Appeal for Peaceful End
Authorities have again appealed directly to Giles to hand himself in, assuring him that the injured woman is recovering well and that no one else was hurt. Huggett revealed the altercation involved a number of gunshots and is being treated as a family domestic incident, with children present at the property at the time.
"Kenneth, if you are listening, if you are watching this, I urge you to contact police so that we can sort this out," Huggett said in a direct plea. "This has gone on long enough. You must be uncomfortable out there, you must be anxious, which is why we want to help you end this safely and peacefully."
Police are calling on the public for assistance and urge anyone who sees Giles or the vehicle not to approach him but to contact authorities immediately. "It is a priority for us. We want to resolve this peacefully," Huggett concluded.
