A man wanted in connection with a "serious violent crime" was arrested after sparking a search in the Rangitikei yesterday.
William Hartley was arrested about 1pm, said Ross Grantham from Central District Police.
The suspect had last been seen in the Vinegar Hill domain around 11.15am, reportedly wearing a long blonde wig over his shaved head, and an orange high-vis shirt.
The manhunt closed SH54 between Hunterville and Feilding for several hours. Mr Grantham had earlier asked motorists travelling on SH1 in the area not to pick up hitchhikers, warning the suspect was dangerous and should not be approached.
It was not clear why police searched for Hartley, but Mr Grantham said he was a suspect in a serious violent crime.