Samir Derek Belhajjam, a 30-year-old man who fled from a police van outside a Taupō court on Monday, has turned himself in.
He arrived at the Taupō Police Station just before 9am and now faces charges of escaping custody, as well as related offences including wilful damage and dishonesty.
Belhajjam is scheduled to appear in Taupō District Court on Wednesday morning. Inspector Phil Edwards confirmed that Belhajjam had been en route to prison after a court appearance when he managed to escape, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
