A POLICE officer has been shot in the shoulder during a search of bushland for one of the state’s most wanted men, former Dubbo resident Malcom Naden.
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The officer, attached to a specialist command, was part of a search operation for Naden in bushland near Nowendoc, more than 100 kilometres to the south-east of Tamworth.
Naden - who has a $100,000 reward on offer for information leading to his arrest and conviction - is wanted on warrants for the murder of a 24-year-old mother-of-two Kristy Scholes in June 2005 and an aggravated indecent assault against a 15-year-old girl.
It is also hoped he can assist police with their inquiries into the disappearance of a 24-year-old Lateesha Nolan, who was last seen in Dubbo in January 2005.
Detectives from the homicide squad have continued to investigate the whereabouts of Naden under Strike Force Durkin since his disappearance in 2005.
Inquiries by the strike force recently revealed Naden could be camping in dense bushland near Nowendoc and police mounted an extensive search to try to locate him.
About 7am yesterday, officers began moving in on a campsite when a shot was fired towards them.
A 33-year-old officer was struck in the shoulder. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital and released late in the afternoon after receiving treatment.
The Daily Liberal understands fingerprints, allegedly belonging to Naden were found in a woolshed near Walcha, west of Nowendoc as recently as a month ago.
Police suspect him of breaking into a number of isolated properties across the Barrington Tops looking for non-perishable food, camping gear, torches and guns.
The identity of the person who fired at police has not yet been confirmed. No shots were fired by police.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has spoken with the wounded officer and his family. He indicated the officer was expected to make a full recovery.
The police operation is ongoing in the rugged terrain this afternoon and the NSW Police Force continues to dedicate significant resources and officers to the search for the wanted man.
Police have re-released a photo of Naden and ask members of the community to be vigilant and report any sightings to triple zero (000).
Police believe Naden could be armed and ask people not to approach him under any circumstances.
Now 38, Naden is described as being 177 centimetres tall with a medium build, brown eyes and possibly a moustache or beard.
The reward for Naden’s arrest is effectively the first bounty granted by the State government since 1900.
Anyone who can assist police with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.