Armed police arrested three individuals at a residence on Kaikorai Valley Road in Dunedin on Monday evening, with authorities believing one of those arrested to be Caleb Lynn, a fugitive wanted in connection with aggravated robbery and other alleged offenses.
Search and Arrest
Around 5:30 PM, nine police cars and a team of armed officers converged on the property. Witnesses reported officers used a loudspeaker to communicate with those inside before taking a woman and two men into custody. Police confirmed they executed a search warrant at the location.
A 27-year-old man, a 33-year-old man, and a 28-year-old woman were arrested on existing warrants. All three are expected to appear before the Dunedin District Court on Monday, January 12, facing charges that include aggravated robbery.
Recent Manhunt
The arrest follows a city-wide manhunt for Lynn that began on Tuesday. Sightings reported to the Otago Daily Times placed a man matching Lynn’s description at the Dunedin Railway Station around 7:00 AM on Tuesday and as a passenger in a white Subaru being pursued by police on Thursday afternoon.
The manhunt was initiated after a series of vehicle thefts, including a New Zealand Post courier van stolen from Outram on Thursday morning. NZ Post has confirmed the vehicle was one of theirs and is cooperating with the police investigation.
Police have thanked the public for information that assisted in their investigation.
What Happens Next
The three individuals arrested are scheduled to appear in the Dunedin District Court on January 12. A possible next step for the court will be to formally lay charges and determine bail conditions. Further investigation may be required to determine the full extent of the alleged offenses and any potential accomplices. It is also likely that NZ Post will continue its own investigation into the theft of its van.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did police begin looking for Caleb Lynn?
Police have been appealing for information on the whereabouts of Lynn since Tuesday.
What was stolen during the vehicle thefts?
A New Zealand Post courier van was among the vehicles stolen, taken from Outram on Thursday morning.
Was Kaikorai Valley Road closed during the arrest?
Armed officers closed a section of Kaikorai Valley Rd between Kaikorai Valley College and Stone St during the operation.
How does a coordinated response between law enforcement and the public impact investigations like this one?
Worth a look