An arrest warrant has been issued for a convicted killer who left a large haul of drugs in his car when he fled from Queensland police four days ago.
The hunt for Alan Lace, dubbed the Russian roulette killer, is now a national affair.
Police say he could be anywhere in Australia by now after he fled on foot into bushland after police pulled him over on the Bruce Highway at Maryborough in the early hours of Saturday.
As officers checked his licence, he ran from his car, leaving behind a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, Detective Senior Sergeant David Harbison told reporters on Wednesday.
Police dog Rambo was killed in the subsequent search when the animal ran in front of a car.
Lace had been on parole after serving time for the murder of Margaret James at her Caboolture home in 1999. The 55-year-old was shot in the head after Lace suggested a game of Russian roulette.
That parole has now been revoked and he is the subject of an arrest warrant for parole violations. A return-to-prison order has been issued. But police have to find him first.
There have been no confirmed sightings of Lace since he fled and police are working overtime to interview his many known associates, Det Snr Sgt Harbison says.
Detectives are still interviewing two men and a woman who are facing charges after they were involved in a dramatic chase involving a ute owned by Lace on Monday. One of the men allegedly had a loaded, homemade gun.
Det Snr Sgt Harbison says Lace is considered armed and dangerous and it's clear he is hiding from police, possibly with the help of others.
"I would urge Mr Lace, if he's listening, to hand himself in. Come in on your own terms and negotiate your surrender," he said.
"I would urge anyone who is harbouring him, or knows of his whereabouts, to contact police. We want to prevent any escalation of any situation. Just hand him in."
He said he was not confident Mr Lace was still in the Maryborough area, given he was well connected, with associates not only in the local area but also Brisbane and other areas.
"We are looking statewide, Australia wide."
Police intercepted Lace's vehicle at 12.15am on Saturday, after observing it engaged in suspicious activity in the Maryborough area.
Det Snr Sgt Harbison said Lace would face serious charges over the drug haul found in his car once he was back in custody.
Australian Associated Press
