Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson, Area Manager: Investigations, Waikato Western Police:
Huntly Police are appealing for information about a driver who fled from Police on the early hours of Saturday, 3 March.
Just after midnight a Mazda 323 fled from Police between Horotiu and Huntly before the pursuit was abandoned near the Tainui Bridge in Huntly, where the driver jumped into the river.
The driver was seen swimming north in the river before disappearing from view.
Police spoke to the other occupants of the vehicle and deployed two boats which conducted extensive searches, however the driver was not found.
On Saturday, Police helicopter Eagle and another boat conducted a further search however enquiries so far have not been able to establish who the man is or if he was able to get safely out of the river.
Police would like to hear from anyone who can assist in providing information about the man and whether he is safe.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Huntly Police on 07 8287560.
Information can also be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre