Oswell Tunupopo, 37, is still on the run from the police after he allegedly assaulted a woman on Sunday and caused a deep cut above one of her eyes.

The assault allegedly happened at Wigmore’s Superstore, police were notified of the incident at 2.49pm.

Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt yesterday said hiding out was probably easier than people thought – especially if Tunupopo was being assisted.

“History already tells us that absconders can be elusive for many days,” Pitt said.

He said the public should be calling in with helpful information and not criticism.

“It’s cooperation that will resolve matters.”

Pitt said Tunupopo “had every opportunity” to surrender himself to the police.

“He saw a lawyer and was advised to surrender. Police allowed time for him to do that.”

Pitt earlier said Tunupopo would possibly be put into custody.

“He’s already proven to be a little bit of a risk so it will be up to the officer in charge whether to detain him or not.”

Pitt said the alleged assault was between a family member.

He said Tunupopo would appear in court once witness statements were taken.