Three men have been arrested after an alleged home invasion in Northland late last week during which the occupants were “subject to a violent assault” and the family’s pet dog was killed.
Police said the trio allegedly forced their way into the Oruawharo property on Friday morning.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams said the offenders allegedly ransacked the property, with one of the victims requiring hospitalisation.
“It’s had a profound impact on the victims, one of which has only recently been discharged from hospital after surgery.”
Police “worked around the clock” to identify and locate the alleged offenders, Williams said.
“Early on we had information about persons and vehicles of interest in the investigation travelling into the Rotorua area and onto further locations in the Bay of Plenty.”
An address in Kawerau was “cleared” after one vehicle was seen on Sewell St, he said.
“Armed police cordoned off the property, before arresting two men nearby who had left the address in a vehicle prior to police arrival.
“The third suspect was located in a vehicle in the car park of a supermarket in Kawerau, and he too was arrested.”
Williams said the investigation was ongoing and that further arrests and charges couldn’t be ruled out.
“This was a coordinated effort between multiple police districts to identify, locate, and arrest these men within three days of their alleged offending.
“We acknowledge the support from our colleagues in the Northland, Waitematā and Bay of Plenty districts in this investigation.”
The trio, aged 27, 29 and 35, will appear in the Whakatāne District court today.
They are charged with aggravated burglary, commission of a crime with a firearm, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and intentional damage.
