The investigation into a stabbing incident in Kaitaia yesterday afternoon has continued overnight with Police identifying a person of interest.
Early enquiries have established a male offender was reportedly attempting to break into a vehicle in Kaitaia Township.
Members of the public have intervened and the male has then left the scene.
The man has then gone to Mathews Avenue where it is believed he was running through a number of properties and knocking on doors. The victim has then approached the offender and an altercation has taken place around 2.15pm. It does not appear that the victim and offender are known to each other.
The 22-year-old victim remains in Whangarei Hospital in a serious but stable condition. He underwent surgery overnight and will be in hospital for some time while he recovers.
Police have now spoken to a number of witnesses and have recovered what we believe was the knife used in the incident.
Police are asking for the public’s assistance to help identify the man pictured who we believe can assist us with our investigation.
We are particularly interested in any sightings of the man in the Kaitaia Township and particularly near the Hunting and Fishing store on Commerce Street.
If you know who this man is, or his whereabouts, then we urge you to call 111 immediately. Do not approach him.
If you have any other information that can assist the investigation team, then please call Kaitaia Police on 408 6500. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
We would like to thank those members of the public who have so far come forward to assist Police.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police
021 595562
