Wanted man in car chase

WANTED: Taurus Christy is wanted by police. PHOTO SUPPLIED

A sighting of wanted man Taurus Christy in Maraenui this morning led to a brief police chase after he was spotted in a stolen car.

Eastern Command Centre Senior Sergeant Dan Foley said Christy, who is wanted on multiple charges including threatening behaviour, was spotted driving a car which had earlier been reported stolen.

As he drove into the Maraenui suburb police homed in but his subsequent erratic driving, couple with it being 7.45am and children would be on their way to schools in the area, led to police pulling out of the pursuit for safety reasons.

"The car was located in Mason Ave where he abandoned it," Mr Foley said.
Police were told Christy had been seen getting into a white car which stopped nearby, and had been driven off.

"We are now seeking that vehicle and its occupants," Mr Foley said.

The incident did have an unplanned flow-on effect for some parents of children at schools in the area as there were unfounded suggestions they would be placed in a lock-down situation.

Someone had suggested there was an armed man in the area.

"There were no firearms involved here - it was just rumours which got out of hand."
He said police, and some schools, received calls from concerned parents who had heard lock-downs were in place.

Mr Foley said in addition to the charges Christy already faced he would now be facing driving-related charges.

Anyone knowing his whereabouts is asked to contract Hawke's Bay Police on 831 0700 or the confidential Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.