Auckland Police are appealing for public help in finding Aaron Stephen Forden, 30, who escaped from Mt Eden Prison in Auckland early this morning.
Detective Sergeant Iain Chapman, Auckland CIB, said Forden, who has previously escaped from custody, is dangerous and should not be approached.
Forden, a 30-year-old European, is 175cm tall with a reddish tinge to his hair. When last seen he was wearing prison crew sweatpants and sweatshirt.
“He’s known to change his appearance, including colouring his hair, in a bid to evade capture,” Detective Sergeant Chapman said. “He has a lot of contacts and could be anywhere in the North Island.”
Forden broke out of the prison complex about 2.20am today. A second inmate was quickly recaptured by prison staff.
A police dog picked a short track outside the prison but it stopped abruptly. Police cannot rule out the possibility that Forden then left the area in a vehicle.
“We need to find this man and find him quickly,” Detective Sergeant Chapman said. “If anyone has seen Forden or knows where he is then contact police immediately on 111. Do not approach him.”
Police have issued the following two photos of Forden – one with bushy hair which was taken in September, and one with short red hair because of his tendency to change appearance.
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Media contact:
Kaye Calder, Public Affairs
Police National headquarters: 04 460 2986
