A dramatic manhunt has been launched in the western suburbs of Adelaide, where authorities are on the lookout for an escaped prisoner. The search follows an incident that unfolded just yesterday.

The 36-year-old man was initially detained by police following a seemingly routine stop. Around 11:20 a.m., officers attempted to pull him over in Glenelg North, noticing he was cycling without a helmet. The situation quickly escalated when the man defied police orders and made his way onto a property on Inverarity Place.

There, events took a dangerous turn as he allegedly brandished a hammer, threatening the officers before charging at them in an attempt to strike. In response to this aggressive behavior, the police used pepper spray to subdue and apprehend him.

Upon his arrest, a search of the man’s belongings revealed a taser, which was confiscated along with the hammer. These discoveries added to the gravity of the situation, leading to multiple charges against him.

The charges include assaulting an emergency worker, possession of a prohibited weapon, and resisting arrest. As the manhunt continues, authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any sightings.

The man was later charged with assaulting an emergency worker, carrying a banned weapon and resisting police.

He was refused bail and was scheduled to appear in court today.

While in custody, the man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a medical assessment.

Just before 9.30pm, after being released from hospital and while being escorted to a police vehicle in the hospital car park, the man broke free and ran away.

His current whereabouts are unknown. Police launched a major hunt, with aircraft and the dog squad called in.

The man, from the Adelaide suburb of Sturt, is described as of Aboriginal appearance, approximately 170cm tall, weighing 60kg, with short black hair and stubble facial hair. He was last seen wearing a blue medical gown and is handcuffed at the front.

Anyone who sees the man or witnessed him near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital around 9.30pm yesterday should call police immediately on 131 444 or call Triple Zero in an emergency and quote 312708.

The public are being urged not to approach the man but to report any sightings immediately.

Police also warn anyone helping the man hide from or evade officers, may also be committing an offence.