Wanted Man Gone Into Hiding

New Zealand Police Wellington News Release 4:25pm

6 September 2006

Wellington CIB believes a man sought for failing to appear in court to answer a serious assault charge may be hiding out on the Kapiti Coast.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Wainuiomata man Marshall Kerehi Mariu, 22, for failing to appear in the Wellington District Court on 14 July.

He has been charged with a serious and alleged unprovoked assault in which a member of the public was hit on the head with a weapon. The incident happened in central Wellington on 23 June and the victim received moderate injuries.

Mariu is described as of medium to thin build, 190cm tall (6ft 3in), with close cropped black hair. He may be walking with a slight limp and have a cut or graze on his cheek.

Detective Sergeant Zane Smith, Wellington CIB, said police also need to speak with Mariu about an incident at BP Roadmaster, central Wellington, on 20 August, in which a 22-year-old man was stabbed in the back.

"The victim is receiving specialist treatment at Christchurch's Burwood Hospital. He has little feeling below his waist and it's unsure whether he will ever fully recover."

Detective Sergeant Smith said Mariu knows that police are actively seeking him. "We believe he's in hiding in the Paraparaumu area. His behaviour to date is unpredictable and violent and he should not be approached.

"If members of the public see him or know where he is, then please immediately contact police."

ENDS

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