One of the prisoners who escaped in Levin this week has been recaptured after a police manhunt.
Wiremu Eparaima and three others were being moved from Levin District Court when one man restrained one of the police officers in an internal garage, allowing three to escape out the roller door.
It sparked a large manhunt for the escapees, along with a review of police custody and transport procedure.
- Escaped trio weren't wearing handcuffs, police admit
- Police admit prisoners who escaped in Levin were not held 'with best practice'
- Police launch review after fourth prisoner escapes
Now Eparaima has been caught in the lower North Island town of Otaki on Sunday afternoon following a report from a member of the public of dangerous driving.
"One of the prisoners who escaped from Levin the other day has just been nabbed in Otaki. Tried to run on SH1 just north of Waitohu Bridge," one person wrote on Facebook.
Video taken at the scene earlier in the day shows multiple police on the side of the road.
"Back to Levin you go, where it all started! Let's hope the cuffs are on this time!!" one person commented.
"One down, two to go," another said.
Police say they continue to seek the other escapees, Te Wera Hemara and Emmanuel Witana.
"Police is committed to locating and arresting the outstanding offenders as quickly as possible," a police spokesperson says.
"If you see Hemara or Witana do not approach them and call 111 immediately. Any information that may assist can also be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"We would like to thank members of the public for their response so far, which was instrumental in locating one of the offenders."
Newshub.
