Hickey-covered teen wanted by police described as a 'violent offender'

NZ Herald

6 Mar, 2018 09:59 PM2 mins to read

Tonganui Katipa, 17, has a number of active warrants to arrest. Photo / Police

A teenager wanted by police on serious offences has been evading police custody for almost two weeks.

Tonganui Katipa, 17, has a number of active warrants to arrest for offences including reckless driving, burglary, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and failing to stop for police.

The charges relate to offending which took place in November last year.

The photo shared publicly by police shows the wanted teen staring directly at the camera with what appears to be numerous hickeys, or love bites, on his neck.

Despite humour surrounding the image, police said Katipa is considered to be a violent offender who should not be approached, and if he is sighted people should call 111 immediately.

Yesterday, Counties Manukau Police issued a public appeal on Facebook for sightings of the teenager, who they have since described as "a violent offender who should not be approached".

Katipa was said to have breached his bail on February 22 and subsequently failed to appear in court on February 27. He has actively been avoiding police since.

Police were unable to comment on any previous criminal history and said his current activity and movements are not known.

"We believe he is hiding out with friends and his girlfriend, possibly in Counties Manukau. However, he could be anywhere in Auckland," they said.

"He has connections in wider Auckland but there's a possibility he may be in the wider upper North Island area."

Police sent a reminder to those who might be assisting Katipa to evade police that "this is illegal and you can be charged for this".

Katipa is described as being around 179cm and of solid build.

The public appeal for his whereabouts initially drew international attention due to Katipa's mug shot.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Papakura Area Prevention Sergeant on 09 295 0344 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.