The man was arrested near Parkham, in northwest Tasmania, around 3.55pm. Authorities said no one was injured during the arrest.The man was taken into custody following an alleged murder at Reedy Marsh on Tuesday night.

Police, ambulance and the Westpac rescue helicopter descended around Brady’s Plains Rd at Parkham.The man — who police wish to speak to in relation to a suspected murder of a man in Reedy Marsh on Tuesday afternoon — had been on the run for almost 24 hours.The search area is a labyrinth of thick bush, farms and multiple gravel roads.Police blocked Maloneys Rd and stopped two residents who live near the scene from going home until the action was over. Acting Commander Stuart Wilkinson thanked the Reedy Marsh and surrounding areacommunities for their patience and understanding during the ongoing search.

“This has been a challenging situation and I’d like to thank the community for theirsupport,” he said.“I’d also like to thank the police who attended and brought about a safe resolution to the matter. Our sincere condolences go to the family of the man who died yesterday in the most tragic circumstances.”The three people that were taken into custody last night have all now been releasedwithout charge.
3.53PM:
A manhunt for a 47-year-old man — wanted for questioning over a suspicious death at a Reedy Marsh home last night — continues.Police were called to a house at Larcombes Rd about 6pm last night where a 69-year-old man was found dead which police are treating the scene as murder.Police were earlier searching Reedy Marsh near Deloraine and the surrounding areas using a “significant” number of police including members of the special operations group will be in the area.

Police drones and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter have also been used.As of 2.30pm, police have moved their hunt for the fugitive to Parkham near Elizabeth Town.Officers stand ready on a small bridge on the isolated gravel road and have road spikes ready to deploy.Traffic is minimal on the remote road and the only sound is ravens.A Mercury reporter at the scene said residents were “on edge” as police carry out searches on cars travelling to and from the areas.However, some nearby residents are seemingly unaware of the situation unfolding around them.

A resident at a property about two kilometres from the scene said he had no idea there had been a murder nearby, or that a wanted man was at large in the area.“So that was what the chopper was about last night. First I’ve heard of it,” he said.Other residents noticed last night’s commotion and knew something major was unfolding. The Tuson family first heard emergency vehicles sped past their historic Reedy Marsh property about 5pm.

“It’s been a long eerie night,” Holly Tuson said from the family home Brooklyn Lodge today.The property is about 5km from the scene of a murder and in the thick of a manhunt search area.“We didn’t get a door knock from police but the Deloraine rumour mill kicked in pretty fast and we heard there had been a murder up the road,” Ms Tuson said.“About 10pm we heard choppers right over the house and lights were sweeping the property.“Then we heard the bloke had been sighted between Johns Rd and River Rd right near us.“We really should have been told what was going on.

“It really is a bit of a concern and we will be glad to hear when he has been captured.“We have been on guard in the past when there have been escapes from Ashley Youth Detention Centre which is nearby as the crow flies but nothing like this.”According to police, information indicates that he may be armed and is wearing camouflage type clothing“He is considered dangerous,” police said. According to reports from the scene, Tasmania Police have received numerous reports from residents who believe they have seen or heard something in the bushes.Tasmania Police Acting Commander Stuart Wilkinson said he was believed to still be within a 3km radius of the crime scene.

“(The man) was last seen (by a member of the public) at a residence at Parkham around 8.40am this morning, wearing camouflage pants and a black vest with his arms exposed,” he said.“He is aware that we want to speak to him but he is avoiding police.”The victim’s 60-year-old wife was wounded in last night’s altercation and was treated for lacerations but later released.Police currently have a 28-year-old woman, a 39-year-old man and a 44-year-old man, all from Launceston, in custody in relation to the murder but no charges have been laid and no further details have been released about how the victim was killed.

Insp Wilkinson said local residents had been advised to be alert and a number had chosen to leave the area until he is found.He said Tasmania Police has been in contact with Victoria Police about flying in tracker dogs if required.“The information we have is that he is quite a capable bushman, he has the ability to remain in the bush for some time, he is quite skilled in bushcraft.“We will be there as long as it takes, our investigation will not be completed until he is located.”

Residents in Reedy Marsh and surrounds are asked to ensure their homes are secure.
Police urge anyone who sees Gerard or a man acting suspiciously in the Reedy Marsh area to not approach and contact police immediately on triple-0 (000).

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