Fugitive jumps into Waihou River to evade police

Waikato Police are searching for Cody Keenan and have "grave fears" for his safety as it is believed he jumped into the Waihou River. Photo / NZ Police

A fugitive from justice with "a history of actively evading police" has continued to evade police by jumping into the high waters of the Waihou River.

Police are searching for Cody Keenan, 26, who has a distinctive facial tattoo that spells out "Mighty Mongrel Mob".

Waikato East Area Commander Inspector John Kelly said that police received a tip-off about the whereabouts of Keenan - who had a warrant out for his arrest - on Sunday night which led them to an address in Morrinsville.

"As officers arrived, a van pulled out of the address," he said.

"The officers signalled for the van to stop but it failed to do so."

The van was pursued from Morrinsville, to Matamata, and then on to Te Aroha.

At the bridge on State Highway 26 in Te Aroha, the driver - believed to be Keenan - abandoned the vehicle and jumped into the Waihou River.

"Despite a prolonged search by police along the banks of the river, the driver was not located."

Police had since spoken with Keenan's family, who maintained they had not had contact with him since Sunday evening.

"Cody does have a history of actively evading police, but we are obviously concerned for his welfare, given the river levels were higher than usual due to the heavy rain over the weekend.

"We would therefore like to hear from anyone who has seen Cody since Sunday night, so that we can provide some assurance to his family that he is safe."

If anyone has seen Keenan, please call 111, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.