Arrest of fugitive a relief for traumatised locals

Te Rangi Trangmar. Photo / Supplied

An alleged gunman who eluded up to 30 police for three days has been remanded in custody, much to the relief of residents in two King Country towns.

Te Rangi Trangmar, also known as Te Rangi Jamie Charles Marshall, appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday after his arrest early in the morning at the Te Anga Tavern, about 48km northwest of Te Kuiti.

The unemployed 24-year-old from Otorohanga had been on the run since Sunday following a number of firearms-related incidents.

Wearing a striped white shirt, a dishevelled Trangmar stood in the dock before community magistrate Ngaire Mascelle.

He entered no plea to charges of presenting a firearm, commission of a crime with a firearm, aggravated robbery and commission of a burglary with a firearm.

While in court, he gestured acknowledgment to relatives in the public gallery.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Whitehead, the Waikato district field crime supervisor, said further charges were likely.

A neighbour of Trangmar's, who despite the fugitive's arrest was still too afraid to be named, said there would be "some serious relief" in the community.

"I know some people who haven't slept at all over the last few days. There are some quite traumatised parties because of all of this."

On Sunday, Te Rangi Trangmar allegedly punched his neighbour and threatened him with a firearm before returning with a steel bar and damaging vehicles at the property.

He fled, but resurfaced on Monday when he allegedly went into a woman's home on Ireland Rd with a firearm. It is also alleged that on the same day, he held a man up for $20.

Trangmar is alleged to have then ridden on a stolen quad bike to Waitomo, where he entered a bar and demanded money with a pistol before firing a shot into the ceiling.

Three patrons wrestled the weapon from him before he escaped.

At least 30 officers, including members of the Waikato armed offenders squad helped by the police Eagle helicopter, scoured the area for him.

Around midnight on Tuesday, officers saw a light on at the rear of the tavern, which is closed over the winter months.

They put a cordon around the premises, and when Trangmar left the building about 3am yesterday, they arrested him. He didn't put up any resistance.

Trangmar is to reappear in court on October 12.