Tokoroa Police were alerted to a possible sighting this morning of 27-year-old Moanaroa Kidwell, allegedly responsible for a series of aggravated robberies.
Bay of Plenty Armed Offender’s Squad and local authorities cordoned off small roads where Kidwell was reportedly sighted. However Kidwell wasn’t located and the sighting remains unconfirmed.
Kidwell has been linked to a series of aggravated robberies during the sale of motorbikes over social media.
Acting Detective Sergeant Paul Galletta says "On the 17th of March and, like the previous victims, the sale of a motorbike to a South Waikato man was arranged through a Facebook site."
"In this robbery the victim agreed to purchase a motorbike at a property on the outskirts of Kihikihi. Waved up the driveway of the address he was confronted by a gunman who stepped out of trees and demanded money or he would kill him."
Mr Galletta said the victim tried to get away in his vehicle but as he was trying to drive off the gunman discharged the shotgun towards him, grazing the side of his head and putting a hole in the roof of his vehicle.
Kidwell is described as a Pacific Island male of solid build and about 180cm tall and is believed to be armed and should not be approached.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact Mr Galletta at the Te Awamutu Police Station on 07 8720100.