Lower Hutt CIB today arrested a 38-year-old man and charged him with the alleged beating at gunpoint and kidnapping of a 63-year-old man in Stokes Valley four months ago.
Detective Sergeant Brendan Mears, Lower Hutt CIB, said the man arrested will appear in the Lower Hutt District Court at 2.15pm today. He is charged with aggravated robbery, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, using a firearm in the commission of a crime and arson.
Police will oppose bail.
The arrest relates to an incident near the Stokes Valley Rugby Club in George Street about 10pm on 5 February. The victim had gone to George Street to meet someone but was attacked, receiving multiple facial fractures requiring reconstructive surgery.
He was kidnapped, dragged into a stolen car and left in a park area behind the Stokes Valley Fire Station. The victim regained consciousness and was able to leave the car at daybreak to alert police.
Detective Sergeant Mears said today's arrest is the first in the serious crime investigation. Further arrests are not ruled out.
"This investigation is now before the court. It would be inappropriate for me to speculate on a motive or comment further except to say that the attack was targeted at the victim," Detective Sergeant Mears said.
Ends