Police have found a wanted man who they last saw shedding clothes as he led them on a four-hour chase across South Taranaki countryside.
Leon Whitcliffe had been on the missing list since mid-March but was last night found hiding in a friend's cupboard in a house in Hawera, the Taranaki Daily News reported.
The 28-year-old, of no fixed abode, was living at Manaia, after being bailed from Rotorua District Court, where he was facing charges of receiving stolen property, stealing a car, disorderly behaviour and assault.
On Thursday afternoon eight police officers went to the Hawera house after a tip-off, said Constable Mark Addison.
Whitcliffe was found hiding in a bedroom cupboard but when he refused to come out a police dog was called and gave him a single bite to his arm.
Whitcliffe did not require medical treatment, Mr Addison said.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in Hawera District Court on May 11.
- NZPA
Fugitive found in cupboard
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