Home / Crime and Justice / Tasmania Teen Escape: 7 Detained Youths on the Run
Tasmania Teen Escape: 7 Detained Youths on the Run
19 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Seven juveniles escaped the Ashley Youth Detention Centre in Tasmania.
- Staff members were assaulted before the youths fled the facility.
- Two teenagers remain at large as police continue their search.
A group of seven juveniles, aged between 14 and 17, escaped from the Ashley Youth Detention Centre in northern Tasmania on Thursday evening. The escape occurred around 7pm, following a physical assault on three staff members, one of whom sustained injuries to their neck and hands. The group also allegedly stole a blue Subaru WRX from the centre's car park.
A large-scale search was initiated, involving a police helicopter. The stolen Subaru was discovered abandoned in the Penguin area, approximately 85km from the detention centre, by 10:20pm that same night. Authorities have since located and returned five of the seven escapees.
As of Friday afternoon, two teenagers are still missing. Police are actively continuing their search for the remaining escapees. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding security at youth detention facilities.
