Police wish to advise there will be a visible presence of armed police and armed offenders squad members in the Cloverlea area, Palmerston North throughout the night.
We would like to reassure residents in the area that the Police cordons are in place to ensure the public’s safety.
Police would like to express their thanks to the residents caught up in this situation for their patience and assistance today.
For those residents inside the cordons Police ask that they remain vigilant and keep their properties safe, secure their doors and windows, and if they have any concerns or see suspicious behaviour please call police on 111.
Police advise any other affected residents who have been unable to get home that they should find alternative accommodation or alternatively to approach Police staff at the Cloverlea Hotel and seek advice.
We also ask people whose homes are vacant to contact us with their address and contact number on Facebook via private message. This is so we can contact them to clear their addresses and advise when it is safe to return.
The man Police are looking for is Caleb Kovaleski, 25 years-old who is wanted to arrest. He is described as a European male, thin to medium build and approximately 178cm tall.
He should not be approached and Police advise the public to call 111 immediately if they see him.
Police are also seeking a stolen silver Ford Telstar / Mazda 626 hatchback with a sunroof.
If anyone has seen this vehicle please contact Police immediately.
Cordons remain in place at the following locations:
Gillespies line – Flygers line
Benmore Avenue
Herbert Avenue
Tremaine Avenue
Bennet street and Bemmore Avenue.
“We would like to thank Cloverlea Primary School students and teachers for their fantastic support and cooperation this afternoon, says Central District Commander, Superintendent Sue Schwalger.
“At this stage it is likely that Cloverlea Primary School and Kindergarten will be closed tomorrow while the cordons remain in place.
“Police are doing everything we can to resolve the situation and to allow people to get home as soon as possible. We would like to thank all those affected by the cordons and the situation for their patience,” she says.
ENDS
Media note: a media release will be issued if there is any further update overnight.
