Man on run in North after kidnapping and aggravated robbery

Rawden Yates.

Police raided a number of Far North properties in the hunt for a man wanted for kidnapping and aggravated robbery .

It is the second time in six days the Armed Offenders Squad have been used in Northland in relation to wanted men considered dangerous.

Northland spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said search warrants were carried out yesterday in the Kaitaia area in an effort to locate 35-year-old Rawden James Yates. Police remain at a number of scenes, including a number of rural properties, completing scene examinations.

The searches failed to find Yates and he remains on the run from police.

The AOS were used in the warrants and now police are warning members of the public not to approach Yates, as he is considered dangerous. Yates is described as being 1.73m tall of fat build.

Mrs Kennett said police were not releasing details about when and where the allegedly kidnapping and aggravated robbery happened. They would not comment on how many properties were searched or where in the Kaitaia region they were located.

Last Friday Nathan John Theobold evaded police after it was alleged he assaulted a police officer in a forestry block just after midnight North of Dargaville. The officer suffered facial injuries and was treated and released from hospital the same day.

The AOS were called and surrounded a house in Shepherd Rd, Mamaranui, later on Friday but when police finally went into the house Theobold was not there. He is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Police are appealing for Theobold to come forward so they can speak with him about the incident. Police have received some information from members of the public and appreciate the assistance provided so far.

Anyone with information on Yates can contact Kaitaia Police Station on 09 408 6500. Information can also be provided anonymously on either of the wanted men via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.