Police hunt man who escaped transport vehicle in Taupō

Monday 13 January 2025 · 6 outlets · 5 reports · updated Mon 13 Jan 2025, 9:07pm

Samir Derek Belhajjam, 30, escaped from a police transport van near the Taupō District Court on Monday evening. He was last seen wearing green prison-issue clothing and an orange hi-vis vest. Police are searching for him and urge the public not to approach him, but to call 111 immediately.

How they headlined it

7:50pm9:07pm

1. 1NewsMon 13 Jan 2025, 7:50pm

   Man escapes from police transport at Taupō District Court (opens in new tab)

2. StuffMon 13 Jan 2025, 7:51pm

   Man escapes custody in Taupō, Police urge public not to approach (opens in new tab)

   Also on Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

3. RNZMon 13 Jan 2025, 7:51pm

   Prisoner escapes van outside court in Taupō - police (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldMon 13 Jan 2025, 7:53pm

   Samir Derek Belhajjam on the run after escaping custody from police transport vehicle outside Taupō court (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesMon 13 Jan 2025, 9:07pm

   Prisoner escapes from van, goes on the run (opens in new tab)