Police seek suspected armed robber

Tauranga Police are continuing to investigate the robberies of the Mobil Service Station in Waihi and the Park Road Dairy in Katikati. Both incidents occurred within half an hour of each other on the morning of Monday, 18 June 2012.

Police have arrested a 17-year-old man and a 19-year-old man in relation to these robberies and are now seeking a third person named Rastaman Rapatini in relation to these crimes.

A warrant for his arrest has been issued in relation to these robberies.

He is commonly known as Rusty Rapatini and is aged 19 years.

He has family connections in the Mangakino, Te Aroha and Rotorua areas.

Detective Sergeant Alan Kingsbury said that Rastaman Rapatini is aware that he is wanted by the police and warns that anybody involved in assisting him to evade the police risks being arrested and prosecuted.

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Mr Rapatini is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Alan Kingsbury at the Tauranga police station 07 577 4300.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Media enquiries should be referred to Detective Sergeant Alan Kingsbury or Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner