Lance Greaney, director of Oamaru Self Storage in Oamaru, North Otago, New Zealand, got involved in a foot chase on Wednesday when a police fugitive ran out of an RV that was parked on the property, in which he’d been hiding illegally. Greaney noticed two men running from the vehicle, one clearly chasing the other, and joined the pursuit.
Repair technician Tom Palmer, an employee for Foley’s Plumbing and Electrical, had been hired to work on the RV. While discussing the work with the vehicle owner, he noticed one of the windows had been smashed. Inside, they found items out of place and an unfamiliar cellphone battery on the table. Eventually, they moved seat cushions and found a man in the fetal position.
Believing the man to be homeless and possibly dead, the RV owner left to find a doctor. The man then sprang up and raced out of the vehicle. Palmer gave chase and was soon joined by Greaney. They caught up with the man in less than half a mile when he attempted to climb a fence. They held him on the ground until police arrived.
Greaney said he was grateful for quick action from Palmer, who’s a former rugby player.
Though the fugitive hasn’t yet been identified to the public, he’s believed to be Leslie McCreath, who’s been on the run since December. Public warnings have been issued about McCreath, calling him dangerous. An arrest warrant included charges related to firearms and methamphetamine.
Police confirmed a 45-year-old man had been arrested on a warrant and burglary charges on Wednesday. He appeared in court the same day, the source reported.
Opened in 2016, Oamaru Self Storage offers drive-up self-storage and vehicle storage.
Source:
Stuff, Police Fugitive Tackled and Caught by Tradesman and Business Owner in Oamaru
