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Police have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the fatal stabbing aboard a bus in east Auckland on Monday night, following a coordinated operation in Auckland’s CBD this afternoon.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin of Auckland CIB says the investigation moved quickly overnight and into today, with information from the public proving pivotal.
“Information was received from the public, subsequent to our earlier appeal today, which indicated our suspect was in the CBD this afternoon,” Baldwin says.
“Our team developed further information that was received, which pinpointed an area of interest within the Auckland CBD.
“Police staff flooded the lower downtown area, quickly gaining observations of the man. He was quickly and safely taken into custody at the corner of Commerce and Fort Streets.”
The man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow, December 10.
In regard to naming the alleged offender, usual practice is for police to wait until the court appearance to ascertain if interim name suppression is put in place.
Baldwin says the arrest is a significant early breakthrough.
“This is a fantastic result early in our investigation, and I would like to acknowledge the investigation team, as well as our frontline and tactical teams for their determined and tenacious work.
“I hope this is reassuring news for the wider Auckland public this afternoon. We are not seeking anyone else in connection with this tragic event.”
Police enquiries will continue, and investigators are urging anyone who has not yet come forward to do so.
Information can be provided via 105 or online, quoting reference 251208/7471 or Operation Gyle.
