Key Takeaways
- Armed police arrested three individuals, including a 27-year-old man believed to be Caleb Lynn, at a house on Kaikorai Valley Rd in Dunedin.
- Lynn was wanted for aggravated robbery and other alleged offences, and had been the subject of a city-wide manhunt since Tuesday.
- The manhunt involved armed officers and road spikes, and was sparked by a string of vehicle thefts, including a courier van.
- Police executed a search warrant at the address and arrested two men and a woman, who are expected to appear in court on Monday, January 12.
- The public’s assistance was crucial in providing information that aided the police investigation.
Introduction to the Manhunt
The city of Dunedin was recently the site of a large-scale manhunt, with armed police searching for fugitive Caleb Lynn. Lynn, who has a distinctive "$" tattoo on one side of his face, was wanted for aggravated robbery and other alleged offences. The manhunt began on Tuesday and involved a significant number of police officers, including armed units and road spikes. The search for Lynn was sparked by a string of vehicle thefts, including a courier van, which was stolen from Outram on Thursday morning.
The Arrest and Police Operation
On Friday, armed police surrounded a house on Kaikorai Valley Rd, where they believed Lynn was hiding. A witness reported seeing nine police cars and a team of armed officers at the scene, with a loudspeaker being used to communicate with those inside the house. Two men and a woman were led away from the house, with one of the men believed to be Lynn. Police later confirmed that they had executed a search warrant at the address and arrested two men, aged 27 and 33, and a 28-year-old woman. The three individuals are expected to appear in the Dunedin District Court on Monday, January 12, on a number of serious charges, including aggravated robbery.
The Manhunt and Vehicle Thefts
The manhunt for Lynn was a significant operation, with police using a range of tactics to track down the fugitive. On Thursday, a witness reported seeing a man fitting Lynn’s description sitting in the passenger seat of a white Subaru, which was being pursued by police. Another witness reported seeing a man believed to be Lynn on a platform at the Dunedin Railway Station on Tuesday morning. The string of vehicle thefts, including the courier van, had caused concern among the public and police, with NZ Post confirming that one of their vehicles had been stolen. The company has started its own investigation into the theft and is cooperating with police.
Public Assistance and Police Response
The police have thanked the public for their assistance in providing information that aided the investigation. The use of social media and other channels allowed the public to share information and tips, which helped the police to track down Lynn. The police response to the manhunt was significant, with armed officers and road spikes used to ensure public safety. The operation was a success, with the three individuals being arrested and taken into custody. The police have confirmed that they will continue to investigate the alleged offences and gather evidence to present in court.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The arrest of Caleb Lynn and the two other individuals brings an end to the city-wide manhunt, but the investigation is ongoing. The police will continue to gather evidence and prepare for the court appearance of the three individuals. The public can be assured that the police took all necessary steps to ensure public safety during the manhunt, and the successful outcome is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the police officers involved. The case will now proceed through the court system, with the three individuals facing serious charges, including aggravated robbery. The public will be watching with interest as the case unfolds, and the police will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
