Police blocked off access to the sea from Surf Road on Monday morning. Photo: Supplied / Tim Orr
A man has been found dead after running into the sea following a building site burglary, police say.
Police were called the alleged burglary on Surf Road in Mount Maunganui at 3.40am on Monday after three men were seen loading timber into a vehicle.
Police arrived as the men were driving off and stopped the vehicle in its tracks, acting District Commander Inspector Clifford Paxton said.
Two of the men fled on foot while a 32-year-old man was arrested as he tried to get out of the vehicle through the boot.
A 37-year-old man ran into the sea to avoid arrest, Paxton said.
"For their own safety, the officer elected not to follow the man into the surf and additional police units began a shoreline search.
"About 5am, the body of a man was found a short distance up Omanu Beach.
"Despite efforts from police, FENZ and ambulance crews, the man was unable to be revived."
The third suspect, a 53-year-old man, was detained after an altercation with police.
"Police have carried out a scene examination and interviews with those involved," Paxton said.
"Subsequently, the 53-year-old man has been charged with burglary by night and assaulting police, while the 32-year-old man has been charged with burglary and driving while disqualified.
"Both are due to appear in court today."
Paxton said police are providing support to the family of the man who died and a post-mortem would be carried out in the coming days.
The results would be referred to the Coroner.
