Police narrowly missed capturing the fugitive who stole one of their cars in the Bay of Plenty town of Murupara.
Rotorua police tried to apprehend Maaki Emery in Murupara on Friday morning, however he outran the pursuing officers.
Rotorua police area prevention manager Inspector Stuart Nightingale says it was a close thing.
"Mr Emery is certainly well sought by local police and our staff in Murupara in particular have been actively conducting inquiries to locate him. One of those inquiries today did come across him," he says.
"Unfortunately a foot-chase followed and we weren't able to apprehend him at that time. An occupant of the address where he was staying at was subsequently arrested and will be appearing before the court on charges in respect of providing accommodation for him knowing he's wanted."
Emery sparked an air and ground search in mid-October that included the police Eagle helicopter after he stole the car, which was found abandoned on Gibbs Rd a short time later.
Inspt Nightingale warns Emery that he is close to getting caught.
"The Murupara community like any community is a relatively small community and we have people that contact us regularly, and so we had information that he was at a particular address," he says.
"We would certainly appeal to him to stop all the silliness and to present himself to the local station so we can front him before the court and sort these matters out.
"The net's certainty tightening, things would be getting uncomfortable for him. He doesn't want to be looking over his shoulder wherever he goes. The best thing he can do is simply give himself up."
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