Police have been unable to explain how a handcuffed prisoner was able to overpower a group of officers and escape from a police yard in Cowra this morning.
Dennis John Doolan, 24, was being transferred from nearby Bathurst Gaol to attend Cowra local court on a string of offences, a court spokesman said.
Police are yet to confirm the details of Doolan's escape, but it is understood an altercation took place at the rear of the Cowra police station as he was being taken out of the police vehicle.
Inspector Tony Bell from Orange local area command told Fairfax Doolan managed to overpower his police guards.
"I believe there was a struggle. Somehow he was able to overpower the police."
Inspector Bell said Doolan should have been in an enclosed part of Cowra Police Station yard, and was wearing handcuffs at the time.
He did not know how many officers were guarding him at the time of the escape, or whether anyone was injured.
"The finer details we're just not sure of. I'm up here in Orange and they're all out there looking for him."
Doolan was last seen on the railway tracks near Lachlan Street, Cowra and was dressed in a green prisoner's uniform.
Police warned anyone who sees him not to approach him and contact police immediately.
"He is known to be a violent person," said Inspector Bell.
