Arrest over bar burglary

A man who crashed head-first into a window while allegedly attempting to burgle a bar in Palmerston North, was to appear in court today on seven burglary charges, six for theft of a motor vehicle and one for petrol theft.

Justin O'Rourke, 19, on the run from police since August 22, was arrested yesterday after he was found at a Milson property. He is alleged to have broken into the Albert Sports Bar and Casino.

Two other people at the Milson property were spoken to by police, but would not face charges, police said.

Police allege that O'Rourke injured his face when he smashed a glass window at the casino and bar with his head while making a getaway.

An anonymous letter to the Manawatu Standard in September claimed O'Rourke was "fine", but still on the run.

He had also featured on the Police 10-7 television show.

Yesterday, police said a Subaru car stolen from Mihaere Drive on Tuesday was also found at the Milson property.

The public had come forward with information to help police, Detective Sergeant Ashley Gurney said.

O'Rourke would face "a variety of dishonesty charges" in the Palmerston North District Court.