UPDATED: The NT Police media team have reported that police have apprehended a 25-year-old man who escaped custody in Alice Springs on Friday evening, finding him in a car on the street where he allegedly committed the crime on Monday afternoon.

The team originally issued a notice seeking the public’s help to locate the man they were warning people not to approach – three days after he escaped police custody in Alice Springs.

On Monday, just before noon, police issued a statement to say Shane Williamson escaped police custody after being arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman following a domestic disturbance on Lyndavale Drive on Friday night around 8:40 pm.

“Officers were in the process of arresting Shane Williamson, 25, when he broke free and fled on foot towards Engoordina Drive,” NT Police media spokesman Rob Cross said.

“Members of the public are urged not to confront Shane Williamson if they see him, but instead contact police on 131 44 immediately.”

Mr Cross did not explain why the call for public assistance wasn’t made before noon on Monday – especially for a man the public was being warned not to confront.

At 2:30 pm, NT Police’s media team released a statement saying the man had been located in a vehicle on Lyndavale Drive at 12:35 pm today.

“He is expected to be charged with Aggravated Assault, Breach a Domestic Violence Order and Escape lawful custody, later today,” Mr Cross said.