Police Reinforcements Deployed as Hunt for Fugitive Intensifies
Police intensify search as Tactical Response Group arrives in Ballina
The search for the man described as Ballina’s most wanted has escalated sharply, with the NSW Police Tactical Response Group (TRG) deployed from Sydney to join the hunt.
TRG officers and specialist vehicles have been seen in South Ballina and Wardell over the past 24 hours, supported by additional Highway Patrol units.
Police remain tight-lipped, but Ballina News Daily understands the operation has not yet located the fugitive.
Police have confirmed only that they are seeking 23-year-old Ochre Wood, wanted on outstanding warrants for assault and traffic offences.
Residents in South Ballina say the word circulating locally is that the man, widely known as Ochre Wood, may have been moved out of the area before police arrived.
Those close to him say they are worried about his welfare, particularly due to a significant arm injury visible in recent photos.
The operation intensified following this week’s community crime meeting. Word reached senior police that media had been excluded from the session, prompting concerns within headquarters.
Returning to Ballina from the NSW Local Government Conference on Wednesday, Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader was briefed on the situation and made an urgent call to Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
Within 24 hours, TRG officers were on the ground across the river.
Meanwhile, a woman photographed with Wood on a jet ski earlier this week has identified herself as Chelsea Lorrie Maund.
Responding to a Ballina News Daily post, she wrote, “yeah that’s me on the JetSki, we weren’t doing any harm we ran outta fuel.”
She claimed Wood was being unfairly singled out, saying, “Every theft/robbery pursuit isn’t 1 person its half of Ballina, Lismore Wardell and other towns.”
She questioned why others involved in alleged offending were not receiving the same level of public scrutiny.
Maund defended Wood, writing, “If you know him, you know his (sic) a good guy.
“Yeah his made a few mistakes the past couple of months, but his not danger like everyone making him out to be.”
She also denied involvement in any criminal activity, saying she did not steal and had “better things to do”.
In a separate post, prominent South Ballina resident Dave Felsch publicly identified himself as the owner of the Mercedes sedan allegedly stolen and later crashed into a tree at Sneesby Lane earlier in the week.
His message to Wood was direct: “Come on Oki, you’re a young guy, you’re destroying your future, give yourself up. I forgive you, but it’s making it worse for yourself.”
The TRG and local police continue their search across known hotspots in South Ballina and Wardell.
Officers remain confident of an arrest, but rising community anxiety reflects fears previously expressed in Ballina News Daily that residents feel “like sitting ducks” as the pursuit drags on.
Earlier Stories:
Chelsea Lorrie Maund says she’s the person in the photo with Wood – helping out after he ran out of fuel
Main Image: Some of the extra police brought in, including highway patrol officers, taking a break in Cherry St this morning
