Escaped Prisoner back in custody

A former Auckland Hospital Patient whose disappearance earlier today
sparked a search of the labyrinth of the building's ceiling, is back in police
custody.

A 25 year old male was admitted to hospital with suspected ankle injuries
at about 2.30am. He had fallen from an apartment building while attempting
to flee from Police several hours earlier.

The man had been wanted on warrant to arrest for failing to appear on a charge
of driving while disqualified. Police located him when they went to an address in
Kelston on an unrelated issue. He was subsequently arrested.

Late this afternoon Police located the man in the roof space of the Hospital in close
proximity to the A&E department. He was dragged out of the confined space by one
of several police officers present. The man was naked when he was detained.

The man was not considered a risk to any member of the public at any time.

The man is facing further charges in relation to the incident at the hospital. These
include escaping from Police custody, and assaulting a police officer. He will appear
in the Waitakere District Court tomorrow.