The hunt for armed robber Lachlan Mitchell, who escaped on crutches from youth detention on Tuesday appears to have headed across the South Australian border.
It's believed the black ute involved in helping the Warrnambool man flee from Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre was involved in a carjacking at gunpoint at Mil-Lel, north of Mount Gambier.
South Australia Police Media reported that following a minor crash at the intersection of Sherwin Road and Attamurra Road, Mil-Lel on Thursday morning, "a grey Nissan Navara dual cab ute was stolen at gunpoint from the owner".
"The two male suspects abandoned a black Holden ute at the scene of the crash and drove off in the stolen car," an SA police spokesperson said.
"Police are currently searching the area.
"The victim was not injured during the incident.
"The stolen grey 2012 Nissan Navara, registration S095ATV, has a chrome bull bar and small dent in the driver's side door."
It is understood the incident is connected to the search for Mitchell.
Mitchell has been described as "seriously dangerous" and was on crutches when he left the Malmsbury facility by walking out a door and into a waiting black ute.
Police pursued the ute through Ballarat, Avoca and Maryborough on Wednesday.
Mitchell was serving a 12-month sentence for driving and firearms offences.
The 20-year-old is described as about 175 centimetres tall, with blue eyes, a medium build and short hair.
When he left the facility he was wearing black shorts, a grey T-shirt, black jumper and white runners.
Anyone with any information should contact triple-0 and not approach the two men, who are believed to be armed.