Police seek two fugitives
UPDATED: 12.10pm:
A police spokesperson has confirmed that Joshua Davies was arrested today in Dunedin.
He was wanted by police for breaching prison board release conditions.
Earlier:
Four of the Bay's six most wanted people have been arrested since their mugshots appeared on the front page of the Bay of Plenty Times.
Since the December 21 edition, Mervyn Ririnui, Douglas Poata, Tatiana Ping and Ihaka Kohu have been found and arrested.
Western Bay of Plenty police intelligence Sergeant Carolyn Crawford-Smith said two of the fugitives were found during routine police inquiries and one voluntarily handed themself in. It is unclear how the fourth was located.
Ms Crawford-Smith said it was highly likely the person turned themselves in after seeing the story in the paper.
The four were wanted on a variety of charges including the ill treatment/neglect of a child under 18 years old, obstructing/hindering police, driving with excess blood alcohol (third or subsequent charge), refusing to accompany an enforcement officer, breaching community work and common assault.
Police were still working towards finding the remaining two people, Joshua Davies and Kauri Kerr, who were actively evading police, Ms Crawford-Smith said.
"Police continue to recommend if you have a warrant for your arrest please go to the court and get it sorted to avoid being arrested and possibly detained in custody till you
can appear in court."
Kerr is still wanted for breaching the conditions of his court release, driving while disqualified and excess blood alcohol causing injury, and Joshua Davies for breaching prison board release conditions.
Police tactical response manager for the Western Bay of Plenty, Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair, told the Bay of Plenty Times the people had topped the "most wanted" list because they were the ones who police were "most actively seeking for those matters and potential other matters".
Information about the remaining two fugitives was welcomed but police warned they should not be approached.
If you have any information phone Tauranga Police Station on (07) 577 7770 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
