Reflecting on the apprehension of a gang member on the run after a violent domestic incident in Tokoroa in the weekend, Hamilton Police are crediting colleagues and the public on the part they played.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton of the Hamilton CIB said members of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) arrested a 43-year-old Mongrel Mob member at a rural Gordonton Rd property about 5am today.
"This man had been actively evading Police following an alleged attack on his estranged partner in Tokoroa on Sunday.
"Given the serious nature of the assault on the woman, his extensive criminal history and his apparent access to firearms this offender was assessed as posing a genuine risk to the public."
Several properties throughout the Waikato had been searched by Police during the search for the man, each one requiring support of AOS staff and in some cases the Auckland based Eagle helicopter.
"Each time a search warrant is carried out a significant degree of planning is required on the part of the enquiry team, AOS and Police Negotiators; you don't just bowl up to an address.
"That this man was able to be apprehended without incident is a testament to the level of professionalism of these staff and also to the members of the public who assisted our officers in a variety of ways during the operation."
Mr Thornton said the resources and priority assigned to the locating of this offender indicated the seriousness Police afforded to incidents of family violence.
"We've all heard how on average, a woman is killed by her partner or ex-partner every five weeks, the reality is with situations like this the longer domestic violence goes on- the worse it gets, our key message to people in such situations is to seek help as quickly as possible.
"The offender is still being interviewed and at this stage will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court today on burglary, threatening to kill, assault with a weapon and three breaching protection order charges and further charges are likely."
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