A fresh haircut wasn’t enough of a disguise to help a wanted man evade Police, who tracked him down in Māngere last night.
The 30-year-old man had warrants out for his arrest following a number of incidents allegedly involving wilful damage, burglary, and threatening behaviour.
On 25 August, Police were advised that the suspect was at a premises on Coronation Road, Māngere Bridge.
Inspector Dave Christoffersen, Counties Manukau West Area Commander, says upon Police arrival, the man refused to cooperate.
“After failing to comply with an officer’s requests, the man allegedly punched the officer in the arm in an attempt to escape.
“He then fled out the back of the building, breaking a door in the process.”
Thankfully, the officer was not injured.
The next day, staff canvassed the local area working to locate him.
It was an eagle-eyed constable who spotted a familiar man with a very unfamiliar haircut riding a push bike along Kirkbride Road.
Eagle was deployed to the scene along with ground units, and he was arrested.
“The man’s new hair cut didn’t cut it as a tactic for evading Police.
“It’s a great result to now have him before the court following his serious offending.”
The man has been charged with escape from Police custody; assaults first responder; wilful damage; threatening behaviour; and three counts of breaching release conditions.
He will appear in Manukau District Court today, and his bail will be opposed.
