Search ramps up for teenage escapee Mark Colbung as detectives scour Orana streets

Detectives were swarming over a neighbourhood in Orana yesterday in the hunt for escapee Mark Aaron Colbung. The 18-year-old escaped police custody at Albany Health Campus about 8.30pm on Wednesday night last week after he was arrested in Katanning earlier that day. Police say he was arrested for breaching his bail conditions, then taken to hospital because he was complaining that he felt unwell. “The police officers looking after his welfare had taken him to the hospital,” Great Southern Superintendent Ian Clarke told GWN7 News last week. “He was wearing a blanket because he was cold and as they were approaching the rear of the police vehicle, he’s been able to slip their hold.” Detectives have been searching for Colbung since his escape. They believed they were closing in on him after a sighting in Orana yesterday afternoon. About 20 officers were spread out around McKail Street, Minor Road and Lurline Street, with a focus on several properties. Some were searching backyards while others were climbing over roofs. A bystander told the Advertiser that Colbung was hiding in one of the backyards. Colbung had been due to face Katanning Magistrate’s Court on Thursday last week. He had pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and endangering the life, health or safety of a person. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.