Police are searching for the ex-partner of a man accused of firing upon police officers in Morrinsville during the weekend, after an extensive search has failed to find him.
On Wednesday afternoon, police expanded the search for Rollie James Heke from just the Waikato town to the entire country.
Now they say Irene Scanlon, 43, may be helping Heke evade police.
Scanlon, who has a warrant to arrest for breaching her community detention conditions, has a tattoo of a swastika on her left thumb and a flower on her left wrist and forearm.
She's around 162cm and of a medium build, Detective Superintendent Chris Page said, and usually has dyed blonde head.
Both of Heke's parents have come forward urging their son to hand himself in, a message Supt Page says police "strongly endorse".
"It is not too late to get this situation resolved peacefully," he said.
Heke, 36, allegedly fired at three officers with a semi-automatic firearm during a police chase in Morrinsville early on Sunday, before escaping.
Police are now hunting for him across the entire country and warn anyone helping him hide could be in danger, as well as potentially facing criminal charges.
"What worries us is that the criminals that are assisting Rollie may not know that he is unpredictable and has in the past used violence against associates," Supt Page said.
Anyone who knows where Scanlon may be, or who has information about the investigation, is urged to contact police on 0800 800 493.
Newshub.
