Wanted person in Canterbury District, 4:00pm

Since the death of Tala SELINI Police have been in communication with the SELINI family regarding Tala's son Tasi. Tasi SELINI has been wanted by the Christchurch Police since 13 February 2009 for a number of very serious violent offences and for failing to appear at the Christchurch District Court.

Tasi SELEINI has been actively avoiding the Police. Various methods, including SELINI's photo in the Press Crime stop and an article on Police 10/7 have failed to alert Police of his whereabouts.

Once we had learnt of Tala's death, immediate contact with family was made to try and have Tasi brought to the Police prior to the funeral so there would not have to be a Police presence at the funeral. It was made very clear that every effort would be made to accommodate Tasi's attendance at the funeral if he was bought to the Police prior.

As SELINI had not been found leading up to the funeral, arrangements were made with the family and the church, that there would be a Police presence at the funeral.

An operational assessment taking all the information into account about Tasi SELINI was completed and armed Police were part of the contingency that was put in place, and on one occasion they (armed Police) briefly spoke to the occupants of a vehicle parked near to the cemetery.

There was no Police within the Church where the service was held and there were no Police on the grounds of the cemetery.

The offences SELINI was wanted for were serious violence offences and we are duty bound to try and arrest him. His actions leading up to him being sought made him a risk to the community. It is unfortunate that it had to come to the Police having a presence at the funeral but he (SELINI) had every opportunity to come to the Police prior to the funeral.

SELINI was captured at an address in Rangiora on 21 May 2009 with the assistance of the armed offender's squad.

He is facing a number of serious violence offences.