Hamilton Police seeking an armed man wanted in connection with a series of serious domestic assaults have are warning anyone found harbouring the fugitive will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton of the Hamilton CIB said it was unlikely the man they were seeking, 25-year-old Colin KIRIONA, would have been able to avoid Police looking for him without considerable assistance.
"And those persons who are providing that assistance need to be aware of the risks involved in helping him avoid arrest, Police will not rest until KIRIONA is in custody and anyone found to be obstructing us in this matter will face prosecution."
Mr Thornton said members of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad assisted investigators in securing a number of homes in East Hamilton this morning.
"Acting on information from the public a number of properties sharing the same right-of-way off Galloway St were secured and searched, distraction devices were used during this incident however no shots were fired.
"Given the nature of the KIRIONA'S offending and information to hand that he is armed Police have no option but to use such tactics in the interests of not only the public but Police staff and the offender as well."
A patched member of a NZ Adult Gang, KIRIONA is wanted in relation to holding his estranged partner against her will from Tuesday through to Wednesday night and for seriously assaulting her.
He is also alleged to have assaulted the 31-year-old woman at an Ngaruawahia address 2-3 weeks ago and a firearm was discharged at the property.
A known methamphetamine user KIRIONA a male Maori of medium build about 175cm tall and has a distinctive bulldog tattoo on the left side of his face.
"We understand he recently had a gang related word tattooed on his forehead. He is armed and considered extremely dangerous.
"We ask the public not to approach him but rather phone 111 or myself at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 8586200, if necessary information can be handled anonymously, we want to know where he is, not who you are."
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