Caution: This article contains the name and image of a deceased Indigenous individual.
“It’s been really strange, almost too quiet,” a local shared with 9News.
“I think everyone is quite fearful about where he might be, but nobody really knows.”
“Many don’t realize just how rugged and dense the landscape is,” another resident explained.
“There’s a lot of stress and anxiety here. People are on edge because he’s still out there,” someone else mentioned to 9News.
“With each passing day, it feels more and more like he might actually escape and evade the authorities,” they added.
Ingram was allegedly spotted at a dam at Mount Hope, about an hour’s drive from Lake Cargelligo, by two women who were pig hunting.
The pair told police they saw a man who they thought could be Ingram.
Police were informed that when the women left the property, they spotted the man again, hiding in scrub on the side of the road.
The next day, police advised the publican at the Royal Hotel Mount Hope to close his doors.
“They just said if we didn’t need to be here, don’t be here,” publican Chris said.
“Everybody’s a bit on edge. We’re all just nervous. He could be out here, potentially out here.”
The pub has since reopened, however locals are yet to return.
Chris said he doesn’t know Ingram personally, but knows of him.
He is certain the fugitive’s knowledge of the land is his greatest advantage.
“He’ll eventually mess up somewhere and they’ll find him,” Chris said.
“Him knowing the bush as well as he does, it’ll be a hard task to find him.”
The police search intensified today in more secretive locations. While specialist teams pushed further into the scrub, the Public Order and Riot Squad stayed close to the town to help locals feel safer.
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