Northland fugitive Joshua Kite arrested

  • 01/09/2016
Joshua Mason Kite (supplied)
Joshua Mason Kite (supplied)

After being on the run for almost a week following his alleged involvement in a shootout with police, Joshua Mason Kite has been arrested.

Although police say he was apprehended "without incident", four gunshots were reported by a witness in the Auckland suburb of Manurewa where was holed up.

Police say the bangs were "part of the tactical operation" and that no firearms were used in the arrest, which was made after search warrants were executed on Thursday afternoon.

There was an ambulance and large police presence in the area, which was cordoned off.

Kite was taken into custody and is now at Manukau Police Station to be formally interviewed.

It has not yet been decided what charges he will face after he allegedly shot at police in Whangarei on Friday morning while in violation of his parole.

Kite's former partner Chey Thomassen issued a heartfelt plea for him to turn himself in today, saying their teen daughter was "crushed" over his disappearance.

Upon news of his arrest, she posted a message on Facebook thanking Kite, saying she loves him and all will be OK.

Police had said Kite may have used "extensive criminal links across the North Island" to assist him in avoiding capture.

A 25-year-old woman was charged over the weekend after allegedly helping Kite.

Before his capture, Kite was described as being dangerous and in possession of a "a high-powered rifle".

Detective Inspector Gary Lendrum says police would like to extend their thanks to members of the public who helped in the investigation.

Newshub.