Three Rebels gang members have been arrested and charged in relation to a shooting on a police officer as well as a kidnapping in the Far North.
The police car shot at in Northland on 27 October, 2020. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
On 26 October, a man was kidnapped at gunpoint on State Highway 10 near Waipapa. Police said the man underwent a terrifying ordeal before managing to escape and sought refuge in the community.
A day later, a police car driving near a State Highway 10 intersection called Puketona Junction, was stopped by another car that pulled out in front of it. Police said two men in masks got out holding guns and one shot was fired, damaging the police car's windscreen. The officer was uninjured.
Over the last two days, police recovered firearms after carrying out search warrants in Northland, Auckland, Tokoroa and Te Awamutu.
A 44-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping, aggravated robbery, arson, using a firearm against a police officer, and participating in an organised crime group.
He is appearing in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
A 26-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping, aggravated robbery, arson, using a firearm against a police officer, and participating in an organised crime group.
He is due to appear in the Tokoroa District Court tomorrow.
A 38-year-old male appeared in Manukau District Court today on unrelated drugs and firearms charges. He will reappear in court on the same charges as the other two soon.