Police say backpacker was ‘shocked and scared’ and hid from searchers after crashing his car in Mt Shadforth

German backpacker Erik Larsson “hid in the bush hoping not to be found” after leaving the scene of a crash and sparking a search near Denmark, according to police. Mr Larsson has been charged with careless driving and obstructing a police officer after the search on January 7 which ended when a member of the public spotted him on South Coast Highway, near the Nornalup Rail Trail. After police confirmed it was Mr Larsson, he was taken to hospital with minor cuts and grazes and underwent a mental health check. He was found just a few kilometres from where his Mitsubishi Pajero crashed and rolled through a paddock on Mount Shadforth Road on the afternoon of January 6. The vehicle, which hit two trees and rolled on to its side, was left running. Police launched a search for Mr Larsson when he was not found at the crash scene. He was found late the next day. Denmark officer-in-charge Sergeant Matt Hartfield said one police officer sustained minor injuries while dealing with Mr Larsson. Sgt Hartield said Mr Larsson received infringements for charges of obstructing police and careless driving. “He is safe and his family are thankful,” Sgt Hartfield said. “On interview, Mr Larsson stated that he was scared, in shock due to what has occurred and hid in the bush hoping not to be found by police. “Due to his behaviour when apprehended — there was some resistance — he was charged with obstructing a police officer.” “He was found within a couple of kilometres from where he crashed, about 24 hours on from the crash.”