Suspected screwdriver attacker evades capture

A man suspected of attacking a police officer with a screwdriver evaded capture today after crashing a stolen car in Hamilton.

Owen James Heke, 27 has been on the run since the attempted stabbing after a car chase near Te Awamutu on Thursday.

Following another police pursuit through Hamilton's eastern suburbs at 2.30pm today, the driver of a stolen Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution -- believed to be Heke -- crashed into a stop sign and fled.

A passenger was taken into custody.

Police have described Heke as Maori with short hair. When last seen he was wearing a white t-shirt, khaki pants and carrying a khaki shoulder bag.

They warned he was violent and unpredictable and should not be approached and any sightings should be reported to police.

- NZPA