A 35 year old Auckland man has been charged with three counts of kidnapping, after he held three males hostage in New Lynn today.
Police say at about 8.12am this morning Tuesday 10 July 2007, a man who was armed with a gun, entered an automotive workshop in the industrial sector, and took the three victims aged 17, 19, and 53, years, hostage.
After almost three hours negotiation, Police forcefully entered the building and successfully rescued the hostages. The alleged offender was subdued and arrested. No shots were fired and there were no injuries. Victim Support is assisting the three men to recover after their ordeal.
Police say the Armed Offenders Unit, police dogs, hostage negotiators, Eagle helicopter, and officers from Auckland and Henderson were all actively involved. It was a major police emergency operation.
Police are now appealing to the public for sightings of the alleged male offender minutes prior to the hostage incident taking place.
"We are especially keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a man with a gun. A Police officer was chasing the man on foot. They were near the corner of Portage Road and Great North Road, New Lynn at the time. Anyone who observed this particular incident is asked to contact the Avondale Police as soon as possible on their number at 09 820 5700."
"The arrested man will appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow on three charges of kidnapping, one charge of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, one charge of failing to stop, and one charge of reckless driving. Police are not ruling out further charges in their ongoing investigation."
Ends:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District - Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 - Mobile 027 281 0271 -
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz