Wanted man has long prison history

Darren Thomas. Photo / Supplied

A man wanted by police after the near-fatal shooting of a young officer is a convicted rapist and gang affiliate.

The Herald has learned that Darren Thomas Court, 43, served eight years for rape and was released from prison in June last year.

Arrest warrants were issued for Court after he failed to appear in court this month on charges of stealing cars, threatening behaviour and breaches of supervision orders. The supervision orders were imposed after he was convicted of assaulting a woman.

A Black Power associate, Court is believed to have contacts in the Auckland suburbs of Glen Innes and Panmure.

Detective Inspector Mark Gutry said police believed Court was at the Buckingham Cres, Papatoetoe, house when Constable Jeremy Snow was shot three times.

A 28-year-old man has been charged with the attempted murder of Mr Snow, 28, who is recovering from his life-threatening wounds in Middlemore Hospital.

The alleged gunman was yesterday in the same hospital being treated for bites from a police dog.

He has been granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.

Mr Gutry said Court was considered dangerous and should not be approached. People can call police on (09) 262-9111 or Crimestoppers (0800) 555-111.