Driveway proves a gap too far for Hamilton roof escaper

It was a case of a gap too far for an offender, wanted on drug warrants, who tried to flee Hamilton Police over rooftops in the City's CBD this morning.

Shift Manager, Senior Sergeant Wayne Petherick, said officers went to a hotel on Hamilton's London St shortly after 7am seeking a 35-year-old man wanted on a warrant to arrest for the manufacture of methamphetamine in relation to the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory at Waitetuna in July last year.

"Because the man was known to have had access to firearms in the past, our officers were armed to ensure not only their safety but that of the public, and indeed the offender's as well.

"Wanting to avoid Police attentions, the offender fled out a third floor window of the hotel and then ran off along roof spaces of adjoining buildings."

Mr Petherick said Police were able to cordon and contain the offender's flight when a driveway between buildings proved to be a gap too far, preventing him from getting away.

"With the assistance of the Fire Service's aerial ladder truck the offender was arrested and brought back to ground from a second floor roof top and he will appear in the Hamilton District Court later today on drugs charges.

"A woman located at the hotel is assisting Police with our enquiries."

ENDS

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