25 Aug 2017

Attempted murder charges for Morrinsville shooting suspect

1:59 pm on 25 August 2017

Rollie Heke has been charged with three counts of attempted murder after being arrested in the Kaingaroa Forest township early this morning, police say.

Police say Rollie Heke was arrested early on 25 August in the Bay of Plenty Kaingaora Forest township.

Police say Rollie Heke was arrested early on 25 August in the Bay of Plenty Kaingaroa Forest township. Photo: Google Maps / NZ Police

Mr Heke, 37 has been on the run since 13 August, when police say he fired a military-style semi-automatic rifle at a patrol car after officers stopped him in the Waikato town of Morrinsville.

He also faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, failing to stop and possession of equipment to manufacture methamphetamine, police said.

Irene Scanlon, who police believe is assisting her former partner Rollie Heke to escape capture.

Irene Scanlon who is believed to be Mr Heke's former partner. Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police

He is to appear in Rotorua District Court this afternoon.

Police said they have also arrested and charged five other people in relation to the search for Mr Heke.

Irene Scanlon, 43, was taken into custody after police searched a property in Te Awamutu this morning.

She will appear on an outstanding warrant in Hamilton District Court this afternoon or tomorrow.

A 32-year-old man and three women aged 62, 43 and 29, have all been charged with being an accessory after the fact and are set to appear in Rotorua District Court today.