Auckland motorway prisoner escape: Police arrest third man

8:15 am on 16 February 2023

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The remaining prisoner who escaped with two others on an Auckland motorway last week has been arrested, police say.

Police had been searching for the three men who they said escaped from a van, heading towards Mt Eden prison, near the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp, before stealing a vehicle from a passer-by and fleeing.

A 24-year-old man and a 45-year-old man were already arrested on Tuesday overnight.

On Thursday, police said they found the third man, a 43-year-old, and he was taken into custody.

He is due to appear in Manukau District Court on Thursday, facing charges of breaching court release conditions, offences related to a stolen vehicle and more.

Police thanked the public for their co-operation and vigilance.