Gut instinct instrumental in escapee's recapture

A member of the public's willingness to act on a 'gut instinct' made all the difference in the recapturing of New Zealand's most wanted man this evening.

William KATIPA, 43, had been on the run since scaling a security fence at Waikeria Prison early yesterday morning.

Sergeant Gael Mockford of the Te Awamutu Police said shortly before 6pm a member of the public phone Police after noticing someone who looked out of place walking in a farming area.

"The member of the public had heard the reports of KATIPA'S escape and thought this person looked suspicious enough that it could have been him so he phoned Police.

"It's very fortunate that person took the time to act on his intuition as KATIPA was located by Police on Parklands Rd, Puahue at about 6.20pm."

Sergeant Mockford said tonight's arrest was a classic case of Police working together with the community to achieve a goal.

"There would probably be no better example of why you should never assume Police know about something, as the saying goes if it seems suspicious it probably is and you should ring 111."

Currently being interviewed by Police. KATIPA has been charged with escaping a penal institute and will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.