Robert Blewden, the man who was involved in a fleeing driver incident, is wanted for breach of release conditions, not breach of parole as reported this morning.
Blewden, who is also wanted for methamphetamine charges, is still on the run following the fleeing driver incident which occurred on Saturday January 11.
About 10.15pm Police received a report of a burglary at a Waipu address. The offender was seen leaving in an old white car.
About 10 minutes later police saw the car on State Highway One heading north. They began to chase the car, which headed onto Mangapai Road and then Paparoa-Oakleigh Road.
Police spiked the car near Paparoa and the car continued towards State Highway 12 and stopped. The driver got out and ran through the town. Cordons were put up and then police received information that the offender had stolen a blue Ford Ranger ute, registration DQE887. It was stolen from a farm on Franklin Road.
Police believe the driver involved in the incident was Blewden and are asking for public assistance to find him. He is European, 1.73m tall of medium build. He is considered dangerous, so if anyone sees him they should not approach him, but call Police immediately on 111.
Police also want information on any sightings of the blue Ford Ranger that was stolen. It has damage to its front after the offender drove it through a gate on the farm. Police believe that Blewden may carry out burglaries on rural properties south of Whangarei, so if farmers or rural residents see any suspicious activity in this area they should call Police on 111.
If anyone has information on Blewden’s whereabouts or the stolen vehicle they can contact Detective Sergeant Aaron Crawford or Constable Alistair Todd at Whangarei Police on 09 430 4500 or if they want to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For media inquiries contact Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett on 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099.