A wanted man with access to firearms and a "lengthy" criminal history including an arrest for a violent gunpoint kidnapping is believed to be connected to the disappearance of a 57-year-old Waiuku man.
Lance John Murphy was last seen on Saturday, November 21, at 6.36pm at the BP Service Station in Warkworth.
He was travelling in his 2010 Mazda 6, registration HMZ40, which was found abandoned five days later by police, 1.6km away on Goatley Rd.
Police today revealed they have grave concerns for Mr Murphy's safety and they are looking for 37-year-old Steven Brent Gunbie in connection with the disappearance.
Gunbie is the brother of Renee Gunbie, who lost a hand when she was attacked by Antoine Dixon with a samurai sword in 2003. He is well known to police.
In 2004 Gunbie was arrested in relation to a home invasion-style robbery of a drug house north of Auckland. He was charged with kidnapping and robbing a man while armed with a .22 calibre gun.
In October last year he was jailed for 22 months after being convicted of knowingly permitting premises to be used for the purpose of producing the Class B controlled drug pseudoephedrine.
He was one of a number of defendants charged with various offences following the termination of a police operation codenamed Operation Jericho.
Jericho targeted an organised crime syndicate involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of the class A controlled drug methamphetamine.
At sentencing on October 30 last year in the High Court at Auckland, Judge Susan Thomas outlined Gunbie's criminal history and background.
"You have a lengthy criminal record, with 28 convictions in the last ten years alone," she said.
A probation report stated Gunbie "appeared almost dismissive when asked" about past offending.
"(The probation officer) considers that you are unmotivated to change. She notes that you have seven breaches of sentences dating back to 1994 and numerous convictions involving aggression towards police and prison staff. She is concerned that you pose a risk of harm to others if that attitude remains unaddressed. She notes that for around six months in 2009 you were seen by an independent psychologist in prison to address your anger issues," said Judge Johns.
"Overall, based on your criminal history, current offending and lack of insight, the probation officer assessed you as being at high risk of further reoffending and posing a high risk of harm to the community."
Today police appealed for anyone who knew where Gunbie was to contact them urgently.
"Gunbie has a warrant to arrest for failing to appear in court on a charge of driving while disqualified," a police spokeswoman said.
"He is believed to have access to firearms and should not be approached."
CAN YOU HELP?
Any information on the whereabouts of Gunbie or sightings of Mr Murphy and his Mazda 6 can be directed to the Operation Cosmos investigation team at 0508 422 443. To pass on information anonymously, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
