Armed police searching a forest could have been within minutes of catching a gang member on the run since early this year.
Kim Bruce Smith is wanted for questioning over the death of Tribesman gang member Dwayne Andre Wilson, shot dead on his property at Waingaro on June 7.
The
Outcasts gang member, who is also wanted on a raft of other serious charges, including aggravated robbery, serious violence, firearms and drugs offences, was spotted on Monday in a pine forest on Klondyke Rd, between Onewhero and Port Waikato.
Searches in the area on Monday and yesterday failed to find him but police found a hut in the forest that had recently been occupied.
Detective senior sergeant Mike Whitehead said the hut had been set up with cooking equipment, bedding and clothing.
Police also found several firearms in the hut.
"We believe this hut had been occupied by Smith, and judging by the condition of it, there are indications he may have fled the area in a hurry and was perhaps disturbed by the police presence," Mr Whitehead said.
Police would be making inquiries in the area bounded by Port Waikato Rd, Waikaretu Rd, Baker Rd and Onewhero Rd near Wairamarama, in the north Waikato, today.
A 23-year-old woman, Carrie Lyndon, who was believed to have witnessed the killing, and had been on the run with Smith, was arrested by police this month.
Mr Whitehead said residents should lock up their property as "a precautionary measure".
Police want to hear from anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the Port Waikato area in recent days, such as buildings broken into, cars stolen or food or other items that have gone missing.
"Smith is dangerous and it is imperative that we find him as soon as possible," he said.
"Information from locals or the greater public would be of immense help to us."
- NZPA
