22 Nov 2024

Police hunting 'dangerous' Black Power member in Northland

3:54 pm on 22 November 2024
Police are hunting a Black Power member considered dangerous and under the influence of drugs. In a statement, Detective Senior Sergeant Aaron Crawford said Whangārei Police were appealing for information on the whereabouts of Toa Pitman, 42.

Toa Pitman. Photo: Supplied / Police

Police are hunting a Black Power member considered dangerous and under the influence of drugs.

In a statement, Detective Senior Sergeant Aaron Crawford said Whangārei Police were appealing for information on the whereabouts of Toa Pitman, 42.

He was wanted for an alleged "violent" family harm incident on Tuesday - and had several other arrest warrants for other offending.

Crawford said he was considered dangerous and should not be approached.

"Pitman remains a serious threat to his victim, and it is a priority for our staff that he is taken into custody.

"He has a propensity to use violence, and he is believed to be under the influence of methamphetamine.

"We advise the public to not approach Pitman but call police on 111 immediately."

Crawford said police came across Pitman's car in Kamo on Wednesday but he failed to stop and a chase began.

"Pitman stopped his vehicle and evaded police on foot after the pursuit ended in Otangarei.

"During the incident, police discharged a sponge round towards Pitman."

Pitman was not located after this and inquiries were ongoing to find him.

People were asked to call police on 105 or give information online.

Information could be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.