ARMED YOUTH ARRESTED

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31633, 20 March 1968, Page 24

ARMED YOUTH ARRESTED

(New Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON, March 19. An armed youth was arrested late today by the Hamilton armed offenders squad after he retreated to an old house in bush country south of Putaruru and threatened he would not be taken alive.

The 19-year-old youth earlier held a detective at gunpoint for a short time after being questioned in connection with a burglary.

The youth was being questioned by Detective N. Menzies when Mr Menzies turned aside to speak to a bystander.

He then ran into a nearby house, picked up a .410 shotgun, and disappeared up a nearby hill.

After hearing a shot, apparently into the air, Detective Menzies ran after the youth, who held him briefly at gun. point, then moved into thick bush.

Hold-Up Seen The Hamilton armed offenders squad was called on after a local resident told Putaruru police he had seen the youth hold up Detective Menzies.

The squad, joined by police from Rotorua and Tokoroa with tracker dogs, located the youth nearby in an old house. They moved three neighbouring families. Loud haliers were used to warn the youth that tear-gas would be used if he resisted. The youth threatened that

he would not be taken alive, but gave himself up shortly after 5 p.m. Until late tonight he was questioned at Putaruru police station

The youth was then taken to Hamilton police station. He will appear in the Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.