A man who jumped into a river while fleeing police near Ōpōtiki early on Sunday morning is due to appear in court today, as police continue to search for a woman who also entered the water.
Police today said they were continuing to seek information that may help confirm the safety and whereabouts of a woman who had not yet been located.
It comes after a driver ran a red light in the Wainui area at around 3.45am on Sunday and failed to stop when signalled to by police.
The vehicle came to a stop after road spikes were deployed about 10km from Ōpōtiki shortly after 4am.
The car came to a stop down Snell Rd by the Ōtara River mouth and Waioeka River mouth connection where a man and woman jumped into the water.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks said this afternoon a 33-year-old man had been found at an address in Gisborne where he was arrested without incident. He was assisting police in their search for the woman.
"Our primary concern now is the welfare of the woman. We are appealing directly to her, and anyone who knows her, has spoken with her, or may have assisted her since Sunday morning, to contact police," Gillbanks said.
Police continue to search the Ōtara River and Waioeka River area, with specialist search teams conducting water-based search activities. Search efforts have also involved helicopter and drone aerial searches, search dogs, New Zealand LandSAR, and Coastguard Ōpotiki.
The police national dive squad are continuing to assist in the operation.
"We are in contact with the woman's family, and are consistently providing updates on the operation," Gillbanks said.
The man was due to appear in Gisborne District Court today on multiple charges, including driving in a dangerous manner and failing to stop when followed with red and blue flashing lights.
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