Police have found and arrested a 25-year-old man who was wanted over a “violent kidnapping” in Auckland’s Beach Haven early last month, with officers now confident they have found everyone involved.
A woman was allegedly abducted in the April 2 incident. Two other people had earlier been arrested over the alleged crime.
Police said the 25-year-old was among a group arrested on Waiheke Island early this morning.
Officers descended on an Oneroa address at about 4.30am, a spokesperson said.
“Amongst the group is a man wanted to arrest over a violent kidnapping in Beach Haven on April 2.”
Detective Sergeant Ray Fa’aofo said the property housed people connected with the Mongols gang.
“Police quickly took four people into custody without incident at the address,” he said. “Amongst those we located was the 25-year-old, who was wanted to arrest over the earlier kidnapping.
“This man has been the subject of ongoing police appeals alongside countless enquiries by the investigation team.”
The man is charged with kidnapping, commission of a crime with a firearm, committing burglary with a firearm and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in connection with the April 2 incident.
He was also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition after police alleged he was found with a loaded shotgun today.
The man was set to appear in North Shore District Court later this afternoon.
Multiple police branches in raid
Armed officers, the police maritime unit and a police helicopter were all involved in the early-morning operation.
“At the address we arrested three other people that are connected to the Mongols gang,” Fa’aofo continued. “This group may have had weekend plans, but this morning’s warrant has changed that and instead their trip is to face their matters in court.”
Two men, aged 30, were wanted on breach of bail charges – and a 46-year-old woman was charged with being an accessory after the fact over the kidnapping, as well as her own alleged breach of bail and ammunition charges.
The group were all set to appear court in today.
“Our team has been working for countless hours in recent weeks to locate the man sought over the kidnapping incident,” Fa’aofo said.
“It is pleasing we have now located all of those that we allege were involved in that violent incident.”