Last of Paparua escapers captured

Press, 12 June 1989, Page 1

Last of Paparua escapers captured

Richard John Panapa’s 53 days on the run ended yesterday when he was recaptured after being stopped by a traffic officer. Panapa, aged 28, bolted from Paparua Prison on April 19 with four other inmates after they obtained a key for a recreation room door. He was the last of the five still at large. He had been described by the police as dangerous, but gave up without a struggle. Senior-Sergeant lan Freeman, of the Ministry of Transport, said that Panapa was stopped about 2.15 p.m. for allegedly speeding in Brougham Street.

The officer was not satisfied with the information given, and arrested Panapa. His identity was established at the Central Police Station.

Panapa was driving a rental car which had not been reported stolen, and was later returned to the rental company.

A traffic incident in which Panapa resisted arrest led to his imprisonment last October. He had been stopped for an infringement in Sydenham but made off. He threatened the traffic officer and two policemen who gave chase with a loaded semi-automatic pistol; but was finally cornered in a timber yard.

At his trial, he said he had “freaked out.”

He was sentenced to two years and 11 months in prison for threatening the officers with the pistol.