A dangerous offender who escaped from a Waikato prison early yesterday morning remains on the run today.
William KATIPA escaped from a medium security unit at Waikeria prison about 3am after scaling a security fence.
A second inmate who attempted to flee was caught by responding prison guards.
A member of the Black Power gang KATIPA is known to have contacts in the Pukekohe, Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas.
A male Maori, KATIPA is clean shaven, approximately 180cm tall, of medium to solid build with copper-coloured wavy hair.
KATIPA has a distinctive tattoo around the base of his neck, a Black Power clenched fist with up-swept eagle's wings on either side.
The 43-year-old has an extensive criminal history with over 60 associated charges including rape, indecent assault, abduction, aggravated robbery, injuring with intent, burglary and assaulting a child.
Given his extensive history for violent offending Police urge the public not to approach KATIPA but to call 111 immediately if he is seen.
Investigators received several calls from the public yesterday of people matching KATIPA'S description being seen and encourage people to continue to phone reports in.
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