The search for Dolphy Kohu and his associates will continue overnight utilising Police resources from across Central district and beyond.
Extra patrols will also be deployed in the wider Ohakune region and there will be a strong visible police presence in the area overnight.
Police have this afternoon been focussing on a number of addresses in the Ohakune area and have arrested one female in relation to the search. Two further people – a male and a female – are also being spoken to by police.
Police have been working through CCTV information to establish the identities of all those who were involved in the events of the early hours of this morning.
Superintendent Sue Schwalger – Central District Commander – has made a direct appeal to Mr Kohu:
“I would urge Mr Kohu to contact police directly, or reach out to us through his whanau or associates. We want to get this matter resolved quickly and peacefully.”
“We have received a range of calls from the public with information in relation to the search. We are grateful for these calls and we continue to encourage the public to contact us with any information which might help us.
“Our advice to the public in the central North Island continues to be that people should go about their normal business but be on heightened alert for anything suspicious. Call Police immediately on 111 if you see anything of concern.
“Those travelling should not pick up hitchhikers or strangers trying to secure transport at the roadside, and report any sightings of hitchhikers to Police.”
Police have also been working through the exact details of the events of last night.
“We know that after the group dumped the police vehicle near Tangiwai last night they went to a nearby address to phone an associate. They were picked up and left in a dark coloured vehicle. We are still trying to establish exactly what that vehicle was.
“We are continuing to liaise with schools in the area about the latest situation.
“I’d also urge people in the central North Island area to ensure that vehicles, outbuildings and dwellings are secured overnight.”
Police are deploying all necessary resources to locate Mr Kohu, including the Armed Offenders Squad and the Eagle helicopter. While the weather conditions have not been ideal, this has not hindered the search operation.
Police can confirm that Mr Kohu was released from prison on the 3rd of June. A recall warrant was issued for him on 1st July after Police became aware of his involvement with low level fraud offending.
Kohu has been a priority offender to locate for Police in Bay of Plenty and Central Districts since that recall warrant was issued, with steps taken including search warrants executed at addresses in Rotorua and Ohakune, and further inquiries undertaken in Taihape and Whanganui.
Police are continuing to support the staff who were involved in the incident last night which saw shots fired at police and a police car stolen.
END
Media please note this will be the last update of the day unless there are any significant developments later or overnight.
We will aim to have a further written update issued by 6am tomorrow morning.
Superintendent Scwhalger is fully focusssed on the operation and will not be available for breakfast interviews tomorrow.
A decision on any further media stand-ups tomorrow will be made in the morning.
Issued by:
Grant Ogilvie - 021 191 0005