Police have been unable to track Oswell Tunupopo, aged 37, who allegedly assaulted a woman at Wigmore’s store in Vaimaanga shortly before 3pm on Sunday.

Police received a report from an anonymous caller at 2.49pm.

After unsuccessful attempts, Police yesterday put the call out on its Facebook page asking for Tunupopo to hand himself in. The post also asked for the public to share information on his whereabouts.

Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt said Tunupopo had been sought by Police since his alleged assault but allowances were made for the individual to approach Police on his own accord.

He said any effort to keep Tunupopo from police could be a punishable offense.

“Police also wish to remind the public that any effort to harbour this individual from the Police may be a punishable offense.”

Pitt earlier said police did not know exactly where the suspect was because he could be on the move.

He said the suspect 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.”

The alleged assault left the woman with a deep cut above one of her eyes, Pitt told Cook Islands News on Tuesday.

The alleged assault was between a family member and the incident was “bound to have witnesses”, he said.

Pitt said the suspect would appear in court once the witness statements were taken.