The fugitive at the centre of a manhunt on Rarotonga has been "contained", Cook Islands Police have reported.
Chris Rimamotu, 41, escaped custody on Wednesday night, while out doing community work. He is serving a seven-year sentence for the abduction and sexual assault of a six-year-old girl in 2014.
It's believed Rimamotu shot and killed two people while on the run - his ex and her new partner. He was reportedly armed with a .22 rifle, but no shots were fired between him and the police.
Rimamotu was eventually found holed-up in a private residence on his own. Mana Aeikura from the Little Polynesian Resort told Newshub earlier on Wednesday most of the police activity was in the village of Vaimaanga, on the southern tip of the island.
"Police have found him, and have him cornered at the moment. Everyone is just being told to stay away from the area, but otherwise it's business as usual."
In a post on Facebook, the police said the situation for residents was now safe.
"The situation with Chris Rimamotu has been contained. It is now safe for the community in regards to this matter, however we still urge common sense with securing your homes."
An investigation is now underway, and police say they will not be making any further updates until it is completed.
Newshub.
