Police are still seeking the 18-year-old Murupara man who stole a patrol car on Tuesday night.
He made off with the car - with a police-issue firearm inside - from Oregon Dr in the Bay of Plenty town around 7pm.
The car was found on Gibbs Rd - some 15km away - shortly before 10.50pm that night.
The man was handcuffed at the time the car was stolen, after he had been arrested.
Any information on the mans whereabouts can be given to the Rotorua police on (07) 349 9590 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.