Police in Palmerston North are naming a man they want to question in connection with a burglary in the city at the weekend.
A trail of blood was found leading from the Albert Sports Bar and Casino in Albert Street around 3.30 on Saturday afternoon (22 August) and witnesses saw a man running from the area clutching a singlet to his face.
It is believed a man had gone through a glass bar window which may have caused serious injuries to his face.
The same man is then thought to have broken into a near by motor lodge. Nothing was stolen but there was more blood at the motor lodge and a blood covered singlet, suggesting he had gone there to try and clean up his injuries.
A person of interest to police is 19-year-old Justin O'Rourke. O'Rourke is from Palmerston North although he is very transient and known to have connections throughout the country with recent known trips to Dunedin and Gore.
A warrant for O'Rourke's arrest was issued on June 26 after he breached the conditions of his community release following a prison term for burglary.
O'Rourke is described as a white European, about 172cm tall with a solid build and gingery brown hair. It is possible that he is wearing his hair longer at the moment.
Detective Sergeant Ash Gurney: "All the evidence suggests he will have some reasonable facial injuries which also causes us some concern about his welfare. We believe he will need to seek assistance for those injuries, be it from friends, relatives or medical professionals."
Police want to hear from any witnesses to Saturday's incidents, anyone who knows the whereabouts of O'Rourke or see O'Rourke and anyone who has assisted O'Rourke with treatment for his injuries.
The number to ring with information is 06 351 3600 or the Crime Line 0800 808585.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.
