Police cordoned off a large area of the Alice Springs CBD today after a teenager escaped from police custody.

Police said the 14-year-old girl had been arrested on July 28 on a number of charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and was due to appear in court today. As she was being brought back to the Watch house from the Courthouse just after 11.30 this morning, the handcuffed girl broke free of her police escort and fled.

Police patrols scoured the CBD and she was located near the Video 2000 store in Gregory Terrace. When police approached to apprehend her, the girl climbed onto the roof of the building and police cordoned off the area as they tried to negotiate with her.

A number of streets around the area were cordoned off for several hours before the girl surrendered into police custody just after 4pm.

The girl is expected to be charged with escaping lawful custody.

Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8922 3531