Taupō fugitive Samir Derek Belhajjam hands himself in to police

Samir Derek Belhajjam, 30, escaped custody in Taupō on January 13. Photo / NZ Police

A man on the run since escaping police custody in Taupō on Monday has handed himself in this morning.

Samir Derek Belhajjam, 30, fled from a police transport vehicle at Taupō District Court on Story Place.

Police said Belhajjam handed himself in at Taupō Police Station shortly after 9am today.

He will be appearing in Taupō District Court this morning.

Belhajjam was being transported back to prison after a court appearance when he evaded his police escort.

Before Belhajjam’s surrender, Taupō Area Commander Inspector Phil Edwards said it was possible he was receiving assistance to avoid police.

Samir Derek Belhajjam.

“He has also previously been known to sleep rough and unlawfully access boats and/or properties,” Edwards said.

Edwards said inquiries into how this happened were ongoing and police would conduct a full review.

“At this stage we can say there were no concerns about staffing levels at the time.

A police spokesperson told the Herald that Belhajjam is facing charges relating to alleged wilful damage and dishonesty offending.

“He also now faces a charge of escaping from police custody.”

He was being remanded in custody after an appearance in court on Monday, when he escaped.