Police turned traffic away from North Rd in Kawakawa while they searched for a wanted man on Tuesday.
Police turned traffic away from North Rd in Kawakawa while they searched for a wanted man on Tuesday.
Police were yesterday still looking for the man who sparked an armed response at Ahipara on Monday, after shots were reportedly fired at an address in the Takahe St area.
They were also seeking a man who eluded them in Kawakawa on Tuesday, apparently leaping into the flooded river flowing past the town.
Meanwhile, police have named the Ahipara fugitive as 44-year-old Rawiri Teruru Ihaka, who is wanted for arrest on a charge of assault with a firearm.
Lou Ape Cooper sparked an AOS callout in Kawakawa on Tuesday.
Far North Area Commander Inspector Riki Whiu said Ihaka was 182cm tall, of medium build, with a cross tattooed on his right forearm.
He was considered dangerous, and should not be approached by members of the public.
Anyone who saw him, or knew his whereabouts, was asked to call 111 immediately.
Information could also be given to the Kaitaia police phone (09) 408-6500, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555-111.
Rawiri Ihaka is wanted in relation to Monday's incident in Ahipara.
The lockdown at Ahipara School and the Sandhoppers early childhood centre next door was lifted a little before 4pm on Monday, as was the police cordon on Takahe St, although a significant police presence remained in the area as officers continued their search for Ihaka.
Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson said a "vehicle of interest" had been seized. The Northland Age understands that a firearm has also been located.
It was believed that the occupants of the property where the shots were fired were known to the offender, but no further comment would be made.
Residents were asked to report any suspicious activity, but police did not believe there was any immediate threat to general members of the public.
Armed police blocked Takahe St (pictured) and Foreshore Rd after shots were fired at a house in Ahipara.
It was understood on Monday afternoon that Ihaka had driven to the western end of Foreshore Rd, where he abandoned his vehicle and continued on foot. A number of Ahipara residents told the Northland Age that he had "gone bush" and was not armed.
The drama in Kawakawa began when the wanted man was reportedly seen by a police officer as he walked along the main street at around noon on Tuesday. He ran behind Carter's tyre shop, then across paddocks, with the officer in pursuit. He was believed to have jumped into the Kawakawa River when police brought in a dog.
Police descended on the town in large numbers, posting lookouts at the Three Bridges, on the railway tracks near the bowling club, and on a bridge over Waiomio Stream at Johnson Park. For a time they stopped and searched all vehicles on North Rd, and blocked off SH11 at the junction with SH1, causing traffic to back up through Kawakawa as far as Three Bridges.
Members of the armed offenders squad searched a house on Paihia Rd/SH11, which was thought to be connected to the wanted man's family, without success. They appeared to give up the search shortly afterwards, but returned about 3pm after reports of a fresh sighting.
