Police updates on crimes and investigations for 28 June 2022.
Update: Glen Eden homicide – fourth arrest made
Waitematā Police have charged a woman in relation to an ongoing homicide investigation into the death of Benjamin Mcintosh.
Mr Mcintosh was found in a critical condition in a Glen Eden carpark on the morning of Friday 3 June and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
A 59-year-old woman has been charged with perverting the course of justice and is due to appear in Waitākere District Court on Tuesday 28 June.
Three other people, two men and one woman, have already been charged in relation to his death and will reappear in court in due course.
As the matter is before the courts, Police are unable to provide further information.
Information sought after vehicle thefts, Alexandra
Some time overnight between Friday and Saturday, a white Atenza was reported stolen from Alexandra and found abandoned on Coal Creek Road in Roxburgh.
And some time overnight between Saturday and Sunday, a black VW Golf was stolen and found crashed through a fence at the intersection of Letts Gully Road and State Highway 85 in Alexandra.
Anyone with information about these incidents, or those who might be involved, is asked to call 105.
Sergeant Adam Elder of Alexandra Police says there were four such incidents last week, and Police are making enquiries into all reports.
However this is a timely reminder for vehicle owners to keep security top of mind, he says.
“Please make sure you lock your vehicles when you leave them, and always remove keys from the vehicle.
“Park off the street wherever possible, or in well-lit areas, and always remove any valuables.”
Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity around vehicles should call 111 if it is happening now, or 105 to make a report after the fact.
Woman’s body located – Police seek public’s help
Police are asking for the public’s help to identify the body of a woman found in the sea at Kau Bay near Miramar today.
Police were initially alerted by a member of the public who noticed the body in the water at about 12.45pm.
Her body was recovered by Police however her identify is not yet known.
“At this time we are treating this woman’s death as unexplained,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch.
“She is someone’s daughter, sister or mother and it is vitally important we find out who she is as soon as possible.”
The woman, who is thought to be of either Maori or Pasika heritage, has the words “Ride or Die” tattooed on her left inner forearm.
She is described as being of slender build and between the ages of 20 and 35.
She was wearing a white-coloured t-shirt with the initials ‘STL’ in orange and blue writing on the front of it.
Anyone who might be able to assist Police to identify the woman is asked to contact Police immediately.
Police also want to hear from anyone who may have been on Massey Road today between Scorching Bay and Shelley Bay.
“This can be a busy location especially on a fine day with people travelling along Massey Road or running, walking, cycling or out diving,” says Detective Sergeant Leitch.
“We want to talk to anyone who was in that area up until just before 1pm today and who may be able to assist.”
If you can help please contact Police on 105 and quote event number P051049243.
FURTHER UPDATE: Police have now identified the woman whose body was located in the water at Kau Bay yesterday. Her death is still being treated as unexplained and a post mortem is expected to be undertaken today.
Name release – Whakatane homicide
Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who died after an assault in Whakatane last week.
He was 48-year-old Mark Hohua, of Whakatane.
Enquiries into the circumstances of his death are ongoing.
Update: Missing swimmer, Maruia Falls
Police hope to resume the search for the missing swimmer at Maruia Falls later this week.
Inclement weather has paused the active search but Police continue to consider all viable possibilities in regards to the missing male.
Police can confirm he is a male from Christchurch in his twenties.
‘We remain in contact with the man’s family and will continue to do so to provide them with any necessary support,’ said Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Matt Scoles.
‘We’d like to thank all the people who have assisted in and who will continue to assist in the search.
‘We wouldn’t be able to operate in the challenging environment without their efforts.’