Auckland police are on the hunt for a man who fled from the Avondale Police Station on Tuesday.
Police arrested 28-year-old Michael Luke Robertson for possession of methamphetamine after he was spotted sleeping in a person's vehicle.
Robertson ran from police while being taken to the station and was last seen running down a driveway on Great North Road.
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Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus says Robertson's disappearance is being treated seriously.
Malthus told Newshub Robertson was not wearing handcuffs at the time of his arrest.
"He was not handcuffed at the time, as he was assessed as being very compliant," she said.
"What we can tell now is that he is a very cunning offender and he managed to exploit the opportunity and got the better of us on the day."
Malthus said the officers were "gutted" that Roberston managed to flee.
"It's disappointing. The police officers that were involved are absolutely gutted. What I do need to stress is that they are human too and mistakes can happen," she said.
"These situations can change from one moment to the next and that is what has happened yesterday."
Robertson's escape comes soon after three prisoners fled police in Levin.
Police admitted the prisoners were not held "in the best practice".
"[Four prisoners with two officers] was not best practice," Manuwatu area commander inspector Sarah Stewart said at a press conference in August.
"Best practice would have been one offender with the two officers," she said.
Malthus said Tuesday's incident will form part of a national review.
"It is very disappointing that an offender was able to flee from police while in our custody and we will be undertaking an immediate review of this incident," Malthus said in a statement.
"This incident will also form part of the national review currently being undertaken of the custody and transport of offenders by police."
Police urge anyone with information about Robertson to come forward immediately.
Anyone with information or possible sightings of Robertson is asked to call 111.
You can also provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
