The city will return to fully elected governance in July after being run by commissioners since 2020.
The assault happened inside the mall's Woolworths store on Friday afternoon.
The ordeal began at 10pm on Wednesday when police officers approached a suspicious vehicle on State Highway 30.
It stuck at a depth of 17km.
Pitihira was one of three men who fled police after an alleged burglary and ran into the sea to avoid arrest.
A tow truck has arrived at the scene to take away the vehicles involved.
Armed police have rushed to the area.
A vehicle used during the incident has been impounded.
Steven Taiatini was hit and killed by a car in Ōpōtiki last year.
Two stolen vehicles and a stolen motorbike were also recovered.
A man is facing 30 charges, including for the supply of methamphetamine.
The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.
"We still have no news. Nothing. Just speculation. A nightmare. We want to wake up."
No arrests have been made so far.
John Salter was sentenced in the Hamilton High Court after pleading guilty to murdering his wife.
The property was well-involved in fire when crews arrived at the scene.
"The death of a worker so young is an indictment on the construction sector."
"It could've been [very different] and the poor woman was coming out of the shower, so just imagine."
The fire occurred at 9pm on Sunday evening.
Shoppers were told to take shelter as the thieves smashed through glass cabinets.
More Bay of Plenty News: Mt Manganui, Rotorua, Tauranga