At about 4.30am this morning the Police Armed Offenders Squad arrested Richard Duthie at an apartment block within Grafton, Auckland City. Duthie was wanted to arrest on warrant. He was also wanted to interview following an alleged "shooting at Police" incident on 3 September in West Auckland. Although Police were met with resistance no shots were fired during the arrest. Two pistols were located within the apartment along with a substantial amount of cash.
The apartment has been placed under Police guard and Duthie, along with a female associate have been taken to the Auckland Central Police Station.
The officer in charge of the hunt for Duthie, Detective Inspector Steve Wood said "this arrest is extremely satisfying and it came about as a result of superb detective work from a small enquiry team that was well supported by various specialist Police squads and members of the community. In my view the safety of both Police and the public has been significantly enhanced by this arrest."
Duthie is expected to appear in the Waitakere District Court later today.
Steve Wood
Detective Inspector
Field Crime Manager
Waitemata Police