Gang member on the run found, arrested

File photo / NZ Herald

Police have arrested a gang member who went on the run after a domestic assault in Tokoroa at the weekend.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton of Hamilton police said the armed offenders squad arrested the 43-year-old Mongrel Mob member at a rural property about 5am today.

"Given the serious nature of the assault on the woman, his extensive criminal history and his apparent access to firearms this offender was assessed as posing a genuine risk to the public,'' Mr Thornton said in a statement.

Several properties throughout Waikato had been searched during the hunt for the man, each one using AOS members and in some cases the Auckland-based Eagle helicopter.

Mr Thornton said the resources and priority assigned to locating the alleged offender indicated the seriousness police gave to incidents of family violence.

"We've all heard how on average, a woman is killed by her partner or ex-partner every five weeks, the reality is with situations like this the longer domestic violence goes on - the worse it gets, our key message to people in such situations is to seek help as quickly as possible.''

The man will appear in Hamilton District Court today on burglary, threatening to kill, assault with a weapon and three breaching protection order charges.

Further charges were likely.

- Herald Online staff