Armed police closed SH10 between Pakaraka and Oromahoe while they were searching for Dylan Cooper. Photo/Peter de Graaf
Armed police closed SH10 between Pakaraka and Oromahoe while they were searching for Dylan Cooper. Photo/Peter de Graaf
A Kawakawa man who sparked a major manhunt involving tracking dogs, armed police and the Eagle helicopter has been charged with 16 offences related to driving, firearms, drugs and kidnapping.
Dylan Cooper, 26, was surrendered by family members who drove him to a handover point on Hupara Rd, near Pakaraka,on Thursday afternoon.
He was already wanted on an arrest warrant when police recognised him in Paihia on Wednesday afternoon. He sped off, leading police on a chase along Marsden and Puketona roads.
The pursuit was abandoned with police placing road spikes at Puketona Junction instead. At least one tyre was punctured but Cooper continued south at speed, finally losing control and crashing about 3km south of Oromahoe.
Cooper and his passenger then fled on foot, sparking a major police search. State Highway 10 was closed between Oromahoe and Pakaraka until after 8pm.
The passenger was arrested on a nearby driveway a short time later but Cooper fled across farmland and bush towards Hupara Rd.
He appeared in the Kaikohe District Court yesterday on 16 charges including two counts each of failing to stop, driving dangerously and unlawfully carrying a firearm.
Other charges included unlawfully carrying a pistol, procuring or possessing methamphetamine and the same for cannabis. Charges of kidnapping and aggravated robbery related to an incident in Kawakawa in April.
