Northern Waikato Police are crediting the arrest of a man, wanted on several charges and on the run for over eight months, as proof of the value of perseverance and say the possibility that a woman harbouring him may face charges should serve as a warning to others.
Officer in charge of Huntly Police, Sergeant Andrew Brosnan, said officers went to a George Clay Pl address this afternoon following a prolonged investigation aimed at locating a 32-year-old gang member.
"This man was wanted on six warrants to arrest relating to 15 charges of drugs, driving and breach of bail offences.
"When officers arrived at the address the occupants denied all knowledge of the offender's whereabouts but a short time later he was found hiding in a closet and arrested."
Mr Brosnan said the arrest spoke volumes about the value of not giving in and keeping focused on the objective of removing a man, who posed significant risk to the community, from the streets.
"There is also a lesson to be learned for those who seek to aid fugitives on the run from authorities.
"A woman from the address where the man was found is likely to face charges and we hope other people in similar situations will take note of this and advise their fugitive associates that they may be able to run, but New Zealand is too small a place to hide indefinitely, and think of the consequences."
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