13 February 2009
It certainly is a 'Black Friday' for one dangerous prison escaper who ran out of luck on Hamilton's main street early this morning.
Arai Whaakari HEMA had been on the run since fleeing Auckland's Paremoremo Prison last month.
An extremely violent offender HEMA had been the subject of intense Police attention since he fled from a prison work party on 21 January.
Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Rob Lindsay, said HEMA'S luck ran out on Victoria St about 12.25am when a city Police officer saw a suspicious man walking north at the intersection with Victoria St.
Dressed up for a night on the town HEMA claimed to be someone else but one of the officers recognised his true identity and he was arrested and taken back to the Hamilton Central Police Station.
"At this stage I'd just like to take the opportunity to commend the staff members involved in removing a man that posed such a risk to members of the public off our streets," said Mr Lindsay.
While HEMA has been secured in custody another dangerous prison escaper remains at large.
Storm Bryce HUGHES, 33, is on the run since fleeing a work party from the Springhill Correctional Facility near Te Kauwhata on Wednesday morning.
With an extensive history of violent offending Police are warning HUGHES should not be approached.
Yesterday investigators tracked HUGHES' movements to Pukekohe however they believe he may now be heading south.
HUGHES is not believed to have a vehicle and motorists are being advised not to pick up hitch hikers they encounter.
Described as a male Caucasian HUGHES is of medium build, 171cm tall with short blond hair and various tattoos on his arms and back.
Police warn HUGHES should not be approached and if seen people should call 111 immediately.
End