KEY POINTS:
Police searching for Richard Alan Duthie, who allegedly shot at police a fortnight ago after a car chase in Auckland, are following up on a confirmed sighting of the man near Paihia.
Whangarei police Detective Inspector Mike Pannett told Radio New Zealand a number of sources had indicated Duthie was in Northland, or had been in the area.
"He's a very mobile offender who is travelling around the country and obviously has a very strong network of contacts."
Mr Pannett said police did not know what kind of vehicle Duthie was using.
"We're receiving calls from the public and in a case like this it's important to have that public support because they provide the leads that will take us to Duthie eventually."
Mr Pannett said police were searching right across Northland for Duthie.
A raid was carried out yesterday morning at a house in Haruru Falls in the Bay of Islands but Duthie was not found.
Police are warning the public to be alert and to call police immediately with any information or sightings.
Duthie was alleged to have shot at police in the Auckland suburb of Swanson on September 3 after a routine stop.
He had been wanted since May for failing to appear in Rotorua High Court on drugs charges.
Duthie is a Caucasian of medium to solid build, 175cm tall, with sandy-coloured hair and a mole on the right side of his nose.
- NZPA
