Prison-escape 'Houdini' caught by police

Aaron Forden, known for changing his look, evaded police for three days after escaping Mt Eden Prison in 2008. Photo / Supplied

A wanted man on the run in Northland for allegedly burgling homes and stealing cars has been nabbed in a Kaitaia bar.

Aaron Forden is to appear in Whangarei District Court today on 16 charges including burglary and unlawful takings of vehicles.

Whangarei police Senior Sergeant Rob Huys said Forden was spotted in a bar about 3pm yesterday. He was taken to Kaitaia police station and investigations revealed his identity.

A wanted man known as a "Houdini" prison escaper, Forden has been on the run since failing to turn up in an Auckland court last month after breaching bail conditions relating to a charge of wounding with intent.

He was spotted driving a van in Kamo, but ran from the vehicle, leapt over a fence and gave police the slip.

The van was driven across a grass area in front of the Kamo Memorial Hall, then into a corner right next to the fence.

Forden left the van running and leapt over a 2m garden fence. A police officer gave chase but lost sight of him.

A police dog and handler were called and tracked Forden towards the Kamo bypass, but were unable to find him.

Last Friday, armed police blocked off a rural road northeast of Whangarei, as they searched cars and one house in a bid to find Forden.

The 29-year-old has a history of escaping and in 2008 used ropes and bed linen to climb from a tower at Auckland's Mt Eden prison over a wall to freedom.

The dangling rope was spotted by a staff member and a member of the public walking past the prison early in the morning.

Forden avoided police for three days but was captured after a dramatic high-speed police pursuit during which he crashed his stolen car into stationary vehicles.

Whangarei police Detective Sergeant Andrew Clubley said Forden had been committing crimes by breaking into houses and stealing cars.

"When he's in a car he's a danger to the public because he's so desperate to get away," Mr Clubley said.

- APN, NZ Herald staff