Hunt on for teen after elderly attacked

Police are hunting a 16-year-old who escaped from the Auckland Police Station after allegedly attacking several pensioners in Avondale.

The teen, who cannot be named because of his age, has been on the run since escaping from Child, Youth and Family custody two months ago.

Police have described him as a "one-man crimewave" and say he should not be approached.

The teen came to the attention of police about 7am yesterday when he forced his way into several pensioner flats in Wairau Ave, Avondale.

One of the pensioners was told to stay in his bed or he would be killed.

Another, 75-year-old Carl Joyce, was punched three times in the face and had to be taken to hospital for minor injuries.

Mr Joyce said he had just made a cup of tea when there was a tap on his door. "I went to open [it] and he pushed me and said 'have you got any money?' I said 'I haven't got any money, I only get paid once a fortnight'.

"He said 'get out of my way' and then bang, he punched me two to three times."

Mr Joyce described his attacker as having fuzzy hair, wearing socks but no shoes, and a black jersey.

He ran off towards another flat after taking Mr Joyce's wallet.

Detective Sergeant Eddie Iosefa said police had had several calls, including one from a woman in her 80s, about a young man breaking into flats or trying to get money.

The teen was seen leaving in a pensioner's Hyundai but police spotted the stolen car as they were heading to the flats and started chasing it.

It was dumped in a nearby road and the teen ran off but was soon caught.

He was taken back to the central police station and put in an interview room about 7.30am.

The Herald understands the officers left the room briefly to prepare for the interview. They thought the door was locked but it wasn't and the teen escaped.

Several hours later a young person tried to rob a shop in downtown Auckland. He was not caught but police believe it was the teen.

He is thought to be in the Glen Innes area where police say he has associates.

News that the teen had been captured initially came as a welcome relief to terrified pensioners.

But further news that he had escaped custody left them feeling nervous last night.

Ian Taylor, who was in bed when the teen allegedly broke into his flat through a window, said he no longer felt safe at the pensioner flats.

"It's not a very safe feeling in the flat any more," he said.

"It's like someone is going to break in again.

"I think I'll be moving actually, but I don't know what to do or where to go."

Anyone with information about the teen's whereabouts should contact Mr Iosefa on 09 302 6400.

CYF was not available to comment last night on the teen or why he was in custody in the first place.


The teen

* Aged 16, slim to medium build, distinctive afro hair, 1.79m tall.

* Escaped from CYF custody two months ago.

* Wanted in connection with attacks and trying to take money from pensioners and downtown store.