Police arrest tattooed fugitive Cody Keenan who eluded them by jumping into Waihou River

Cody Keenan wasn't too pleased to be spotted by police but after two short pursuits was taken into custody after losing control of a vehicle while trying to avoid a police roadblock. Photo / NZ Police

A gang member who has been on the run since jumping into a river to avoid capture by police was finally arrested today.

Cody Keenan, who has a distinctive face tattoo that spells out "Mighty Mongrel Mob", was taken into custody this afternoon after he was spotted in Enderley, Hamilton.

Waikato police Senior Sergeant Phil Ruddell said he then took off with police abandoning the pursuit due to his manner of driving.

However, a short time later he was seen driving south on State Highway 1 towards Cambridge, again heading towards Morrinsville.

Police had set up on either end of Kuranui Rd, laying road spikes when Keenan drove down. Spying police, he attempted a U-turn and lost control of his vehicle and crashed.

He was then taken into custody without incident.

Keenan has been sought by police after a warrant was issued for his arrest on Sunday.

As police arrived at a property in Morrinsville, a van took off, evading police.

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

At the bridge on State Highway 26 in Te Aroha he 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 initially had concerns for his welfare, however he contacted family soon after to say he was safe.