A fourth person has been charged over their alleged involvement in a kidnapping in the Illawarra earlier this week.
About 12.30pm on Monday (11 May 2020), two men – aged 28 and 29 – attended a service station on the corner of Five Islands Road and Lake Avenue, Cringila, and met with three people that were known to them.
Police will allege the men were kidnapped and taken to a home in Cringila – where the younger man was allegedly assaulted.
The matter was reported to police by family members a short time later.
Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District, with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, commenced inquiries under Strike Force Iola.
Strike force investigators were notified after the two men were released safely about 3.30pm on Tuesday (12 May 2020).
As part of inquiries, detectives arrested and charged two men, aged 42 and 43, and a 35-year-old woman yesterday (Wednesday 13 May 2020). They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, detectives attended a home in Cringila and arrested a 41-year-old man about 12.45pm yesterday (Thursday 13 May 2020).
During the arrest, police allegedly located methylamphetamine (ice). The man was taken to Wollongong Police Station and charged with kidnap in company with intent to commit serious indictable offence occasioning actual bodily harm and possess prohibited drug.
He was refused bail and is due to face Wollongong Local Court today (Thursday 14 May 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Iola are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
