Whilst continuing the search for John Palmer, Police today located and arrested a 37-year-old man, believed to have been associating with the prison escapee over the last week.

Detective Superintendent Brent Warren said Police stood up Operation Fishers to continue the search for Mr Palmer and his associates.

“Southern Investigations and Alice Springs Police conducted a search warrant at a home on Plumbago Crescent in East Side and located the 37-year-old hiding behind a door in the premises early this morning,” Detective Superintendent Warren said.

“Police also located a small quantity of drugs and a replica firearm at the location.

“Police will continue to cast the net wide and take enforcement action against any offending identified during the search for Mr Palmer. Anyone identified as helping Mr Palmer to avoid apprehension is committing an offence themselves and may face prosecution.

“Police have reason to believe that Mr Palmer may be travelling around town in a silver 2008 Holden Commodore sedan with NT registration CA18TB.

“We are utilising information gathered from members of the public to locate Mr Palmer. So far, we have received some very useful information, however I continue to urge anyone who may know of his whereabouts, to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  Anyone with information leading to the arrest of John Palmer, could be eligible for a reward.”