A man will face court today charged with domestic violence-related offences following an alleged kidnapping in the Illawarra region.
About 3am on Friday 23 October 2020, a 27-year-old woman was asleep at a home in Koonawarra, when she woke to an argument between a man and woman known to her in the backyard of the house.
When she went to check on the woman's welfare, she was allegedly punched in the face by the man.
The woman then tried to leave the house in a car with her child, and the 32-year-old man allegedly jumped in her car and drove around the local area, while continuing to assault her.
A short time later, the man allegedly pushed the woman out of the car while it was moving on Mount Kembla Road, Mount Kembla.
The woman sought assistance from a car passing by before she was able to contact police. She sustained multiple scratches and grazes to her body and was taken to Wollongong Hospital for assessment.
The child was returned home, unharmed, a short time later, and is in the care of family members.
Detectives from Lake Illawarra Police District commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
About 6.30pm on Sunday 25 October 2020, a 32-year old man was located driving a grey Audi A6 on Winnima Way, Berkeley. A pursuit was initiated and terminated a short time later for safety reasons.
Following extensive inquiries, about 3.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 28 October 2020), investigators – with the assistance of the South East Region Enforcement Squad - attended a home in Lake Heights and located the 32-year-old man hiding in a cupboard.
A 33-year-old man wanted on outstanding warrants was also located at the home, and the pair were taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
A search warrant was executed at the home, with police seizing a shortened rifle, heroin, methylamphetamine, steroids, cash and mobile phones. These items will undergo forensic examination.
The 32-year-old Port Kembla man has been charged with seven offences;
- Kidnap with intent to commit serious indictable offence occasioning actual bodily harm
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- Contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO
- Stalk intimidate intend to cause fear or physical harm,
- Drive whilst disqualified (two counts), and
- Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly
The 33-year-old man was charged with carry cutting implement upon apprehension, take and drive conveyance and drive while disqualified.
Both were refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today (Thursday 29 October 2020).
Inquiries are continuing.
