MAJOR INCIDENT UNFOLDING IN CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND – PUBLIC WARNING
Police have underway an active search to locate an alleged offender, accompanied by others, following an incident in the Central North Island region. The alleged offenders are considered armed and dangerous and Police warn the public that they should not be approached.
In addition people should consider staying indoors and parents should consider keeping their children home from schools in the Ohakune, Waiouru and Raetihi region due an armed Police presence currently searching for the offenders.
At around 2.30 am Police staff first engaged in a pursuit with a fleeing driver near Wanganui. During the ensuring pursuit the Police vehicle attempted to stop the fleeing driver but it was rammed by the fleeing car.
One of the occupants of the fleeing vehicle then fired shots at the two Police officers, at close range at around 3.30 am near Ohakune. The officers are shaken but are unhurt.
The occupants of the pursued vehicle, at this stage thought to be 3 males and around 2 females then left in the stolen Police car. This Police car has since been recovered. The males are described as Maori.
The Armed Offenders Squad has been deployed in the central North Island.
Eagle helicopter has been deployed from its Auckland base to assist in the search. Police cordons have been deployed in the region.
Police also wish to locate Dolphy Kohu in association with this incident. Police advise that Mr Kohu should not be approached. Anyone with information on Mr Kohu’s location should contact 111 immediately.
Further updates will be provided as appropriate.
Issued by the Police National Headquarters media team.
Photos of Mr Kohu attached.
