28 February 2008
A warrant to arrest has been issued for the man Police believe was responsible for a daylight attack on a woman as she walked home in central Hamilton Monday afternoon.
The victim, a 19 year old woman, was crossing the Claudelands Bridge about 4.30 pm when she was dragged off the footpath into bushes on the eastern side of the bridge.
Despite struggling violently she was forced to endure indecencies before members of the public came to her aid and drove of her attacker.
Police want to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of Hira TAHITAHI, a male Maori aged in his 20s, from Hamilton.
TAHITAHI is described as being about 194cm tall, of athletic build, with long hair often tied into a ponytail that reaches midway down his back.
Detective Sergeant Neville Ross of Hamilton CIB said it was important TAHITAHI was located to ensure he didn't strike again.
"This was a brazen attack that we can't have repeated," he said.
"TAHITAHI originally comes from Whangarei and has links to Ngaruawahia and Hamilton, our enquiries so far have failed to locate him at his known addresses. It may be he is hiding out with friends and associates unaware he is on the run and the reasons for his flight."
Anyone knowing TAHITAHI'S whereabouts is asked to contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200 or their local Police station.
Alternatively information can be left on the confidential crimeline, 0800 Busthem (08002878436).
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