Armed police are currently searching the small settlement of Frasertown near Wairoa for a man wanted in relation to an armed incident in Hastings late last month.
Ihaka Paul, 26, presented a pistol to family members and made several threats to them at a Hastings house on January 29. He had previously cut off his electronic bail bracelet. Police have been searching several properties throughout Hawke’s Bay since then looking for him.
The police Armed Offenders Squad this morning searched a house in Pakowhai Rd, Hastings looking for him but he was not found.
Shortly after, police were alerted to a sighting of Paul chasing a male along a road in Wairoa with a firearm. Shortly after that he was involved in a pursuit with police from Wairoa to Frasertown where he pointed a firearm at police. He is still believed to be in the area.
Armed Offender Squads from Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne are currently on the scene and have set up cordons around the Frasertown area. Traffic is being diverted away from the area. Local schools have been alerted and asked to keep students inside.
Police are also using a helicopter from Gisborne to do aerial searches of the area. An Armed Offenders Squad from the Bay of Plenty has also been called in to search the Lake Waikaremoana area if Paul moves in that direction.
Inspector Harry Harvey said the situation was “ongoing” and police were monitoring Paul’s movements as best they could.
“Obviously we have to treat this unfolding situation with extreme caution and we urge everyone to stay away from the Frasertown area at this time. Paul is believed to be highly volatile and we ask that he not be approached,” Mr Harvey said.
Paul is described as a male Maori about 1.7m tall with a shaved undercut haircut. He has a large facial tattoo across his nose and cheeks, which could have been added to recently.
Anyone who has seen Paul or if they know where he is should ring 111 immediately.
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Any media queries to Eastern District Communications Manager Kris McGehan on 06 8310786 or 027 2223638.
