Hunt still on for lost man wanted by cops

(CNS): Chief Superintendent Kurt Walton has confirmed that officers are continuing the search for Anthony Smith (33) from West Bay, who has been missing since 1 October when he jumped into stormy seas to avoid the police. However, Walton said that there had been no reported sightings of Smith and he has not contacted any of his friends or family who are in contact with the police. Although Smith was wanted by police regarding their investigations and in connection with his failure to appear in court, the greater concern is that Smith was lost at sea after he ran from officers and dived into the ocean at West Bay public beach at around 9:50pm that night in very rough conditions.

A search was begun immediately afterwards, with the assistance of the police helicopter and officers searching the shoreline in West Bay in the area where Smith went missing, but there was no sign of the West Bay man. The police continued with a sea and shore search throughout the following week but Smith has not been sighted nor has he made contacted with any of his friends or family that have contacted the police. 

Smith was approached by officers on the night of 1 October as he sat in a stationary car close to Alfresco Restaurant. They asked him to step out of the car but as he did so Smith ran from the officers and dived into the rough seas. The strong tide started pulling him towards the West Bay dock, so officers immediately called for assistance and the air operations unit was deployed. A cell phone and shoes were recovered from the shoreline but the search was suspended due to the severe weather conditions. It was resumed around 7:30am Wednesday and has continued since, but there is no sign of Smith.

It is still not clear if Smith managed to get out of the water and evade the officers and has chosen to remain in hiding to avoid detention or if the man has been lost at sea.

Smith is described as 5ft. 10 inches, large built, light complexion, wavy hair, usually in plaits. If anyone has seen Smith since 9:50pm 1 October, they should contact their nearest police station. Alternatively people can call 526-0670 or 949-7777 or 800 TIPS in confidence if they know Smith is alive.