Operation Lucy - Michael Wallace charged with murder

"As a result of information provided by the public, Michael Scott Wallace was arrested without incident last night at around 7pm. The arrest was after a short pursuit from Tangimoana," says Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward, head of Operation Lucy, the investigation into the murder of 28 year old hitch hiker, Birgit Brauer.

"He was driving a stolen 1988 Nissan 4WD Safari motor vehicle, black and silver in colour which was recently reported stolen from Hokio Beach in Levin,.

"Members of the Special Tactics Group, Armed Offenders Squad, Detectives and General Duties Officers were involved in the apprehension.

"Today Michael Wallace has been charged with the murder of Birgit Brauer on 20 September.

"He is due to appear in the New Plymouth District Court tomorrow.

"As part of the investigation we continue to seek sightings of Mr Wallace from Saturday 24 September 2005 until the apprehension last night. We are also seeking sightings of the Nissan Safari, registration number X09268.

"We understand Birgit's funeral was held in Dresden, Germany yesterday and we have offered our condolences to the family. We have also forwarded numerous cards sent to New Plymouth station, from the public offering their sympathy.

"Birgit's family have been advised of Michael Wallace's arrest today.

"The investigation team are still working through a huge amount of information provided by the public.

"The Public of New Zealand are to be commended for their efforts in helping the police to locate Mr Wallace. On behalf of the team I would like to thank the public and the media for their help and overwhelming support. We wouldn't be where we are today and have this result without the public's tremendous response to our appeal for sightings," says Detective Senior Sergeant Coward.

ENDS

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