A gang member who skipped bail on gun and drug charges is wanted by police investigating a murder.
They want to talk to Kim Bruce Smith, 41, of Hamilton, about the June 7 fatal shooting of Andre Wilson of Waingaro near Raglan.
Mr Wilson, a member of the Tribesmen motorcycle
gang, had been harbouring Smith, whom police describe as a senior member of the Hamilton-based Outcasts motorcycle gang.
Homicide investigation head Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Whitehead said police believed Smith had been staying at Mr Wilson's isolated rural property when Mr Wilson was shot.
The naming of Smith brings together several pieces of a puzzle spanning more than a year.
On February 12 last year an Outcast associate was severely beaten in his Hamilton home.
Armed police later searched Smith's Hamilton home and found several firearms, including a military-style semi-automatic rifle, and explosives.
Smith appeared in court and was released on bail.
On October 30 police investigated an armed robbery in Kaitaia.
Armed police raided the Outcasts' Hamilton headquarters on November 5 and Smith was arrested on firearms, drug and aggravated robbery charges.
Despite police objections, Smith was bailed but failed to appear in court on December 17 and has been on the run since.
Mr Whitehead said anyone helping Smith may face criminal charges. Smith was considered extremely dangerous and should not be approached.
He is a Caucasian, 180cm tall with green eyes and brown hair, of solid build and has several tattoos on his upper body and arms.
- nzpa
