Dramatic arrest: Alleged fugitive found hiding in resident’s garden shed

A MAN accused of stealing a car, trying to set it on fire and sparking a major police hunt in Wagga was allegedly found hiding beneath a workbench in a resident’s backyard garden shed.

The 24-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman have been charged with a string of offences after police allege they stole a Kia Sportage from Kenneally Street in Kooringal about 7.10am on Wednesday, August 5.

Police allege the pair took the SUV on a joyride across Wagga before the vehicle’s owners helped officers remotely disable it on Gunn Drive in Estella, more than 10 kilometres away, shortly before 8am.

The pair allegedly tried to set the Kia alight before abandoning it and fleeing on foot as police swooped on the scene.

The dramatic incident sparked a major police operation, with about 20 officers flooding the area.

Police said the woman, who was allegedly carrying a balaclava, was arrested near the vehicle while officers established a perimeter and launched an extensive search for the second suspect.

The man allegedly scaled several backyard fences in a desperate bid to evade capture before disappearing into the backyard of a Harrier Street home.

About 8.40am, the search came to a dramatic end when the 24-year-old was allegedly found hiding beneath a workbench inside a garden shed.

Image: Supplied/NSW Police

Image: Supplied/NSW Police

Image: 7 News

It is understood the alleged offender’s hiding place was ultimately betrayed by the smell of a vape.

A resident reportedly noticed the odour coming from the shed before alerting police, who swooped in and arrested him.

A search of the stolen Kia and surrounding streets allegedly uncovered a quantity of drugs, ammunition and several bank cards, which police will allege had been stolen.

Police also allege the pair were involved in a string of offences across the Riverina, including the theft of another vehicle in Griffith on Monday, August 3.

That vehicle was recovered in Mount Austin on Wednesday.

Both were taken to Wagga Police Station and charged with multiple offences, including taking, driving and being carried in a conveyance without the owner’s consent and possessing a face covering with intent to commit an indictable offence.

The man also faces charges including break-and-enter with intent and breaching bail, while the woman has additionally been charged with driving while her licence was cancelled and possessing ammunition without holding a licence.

Both were refused bail and due to appear before a bail court on Thursday.