The armed offenders squad are hunting an armed man who drove into an officer
as he fled from police in the Far North tonight.
Officers were speaking to the man in relation to a number of criminal and
serious driving offences, when he drove off from the ferry wharf area of
Kohukohu - about 55km southeast of Kaitaia - shortly after 6pm.
The police officer was struck by the car as the man drove off and suffered
cuts to his knees and arms.
Inspector Lou Alofa says they believe the man has two children with him.
"He was reported at the time by members of the public to be in the company of two children. But at this time we haven't sighted him with the children," he said.
The armed offenders squad has now surrounded a house where the man is
believed to be holed up with the children.
RadioLIVE / 3 News / NZPA
Audio: RadioLIVE's Lewis Hampton speaks with police northern communications Inspector Lou Alofa at the scene.