News Service from House Harris

QLD: Fugitive evades police again

GOLD COAST, Dec 1 AAP - A teenage fugitive facing charges over a fatal car crash has given police the slip again, just a day after allegedly adding robbery offences to his extensive rap sheet.

Eighteeen-year-old Madison Jo Randell, already on the run from police after escaping custody on Thursday, was spotted by officers on Sunday travelling in a stolen car at Nerang about 5.30pm(AEST).

Police gave chase but Randell, was allegedly one of two males to flee the vehicle and escape.

Two female passengers, aged 17 and 13, were detained at the scene, but police failed to locate Randell or his friend.

Gold Coast Superintendent Jim Keogh admitted it was an embarrassing slip - the second time Randell has foiled police in less than a week.

"It is frustrating, it is disappointing, but I think the two girls there may be able to assist police with their inquiries," he told reporters.

"The police response was rapid and I'm very pleased to see that they kept a lookout for the car and through their vigilance they located it at Nerang."

Randell was originally arrested following a car crash at Miami on November 22.

Police allege he was speeding in his unregistered Subaru WRX when it collided with an elderly couple's panel van, killing 82-year-old Mario Martorano and critically injuring his 72-year-old wife.

Randell faces at least 12 charges from the crash and traffic incidents the day before, including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, unlicensed driving and driving an unregistered vehicle.

He was in custody awaiting a third court appearance when he escaped as he was being escorted back to prison from a hospital visit.

An internal investigation will decide whether officers erred in not handcuffing Randell, who had just had a cast placed on his wrist.

Police believe Randell took part in two violent robberies shortly after escaping, in which knives were used to threaten the shop attendants, and police fear he is becoming desperate.

Supt Keogh said police were not holding out hope Randell, who has since been seen minus the cast on his hand, would give himself up.

"I'd like to think some form of common sense will take place and he'll surrender, but nevertheless we're certainly not going to sit on our hands and wait for that to happen," he said.

Police believe Randell is hiding out in the western suburbs of the Gold Coast.