Detectives have charged two men as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged kidnapping for ransom and serious assault of another man in Sydney’s west last year.
About 12.30pm on Monday 25 November 2019, two men entered a workshop on Links Road, St Marys, and allegedly assaulted a 36-year-old man using a firearm.
During the assault, the man was knocked unconscious before being kidnapped by the pair.
About 10.30am the following day (Tuesday 26 November 2019), the man was located in a shed on a property at Shanes Park by three members of the public, who contacted emergency services.
The man was taken to hospital in a critical condition and treated for a fractured skull and severe injuries to his head and body. He has since been released from hospital.
The State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, with assistance from Nepean Police Area Command, commenced inquiries under Strike Force Methuen.
Last month, strike force detectives arrested a 36-year-old man at Plumpton. He was charged and remains before the courts.
During the ongoing investigation, police were made aware of the attempted kidnapping of a 52-year-old man about 4.40pm last Friday (6 March 2020).
Officers were told, two men attempted to force the man into a Toyota Hilux following a two-vehicle crash on Victoria Road at Drummoyne.
The man resisted and was able to escape, before the two men fled the area on foot.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 40-year-old man following a vehicle stop at St Marys, just after 4.30am today (Wednesday 11 March 2020).
The Mt Pritchard man was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm, attempt take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
A short time later, police executed four search warrants at a rural residence at Luddenham, a business at St Marys and homes at Bungarribee and Mt Pritchard.
Strike Force Methuen investigators were assisted by officers from the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor, Public Order and Riot Squad and officers from Nepean Police Area Command throughout the operation.
During the searches, police seized two firearms, a silencer, steroids, documentation and electronic equipment.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the Luddenham residence and taken to Penrith Police Station.
The man was charged with take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm, attempt take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm and knowingly direct activities of criminal group.
It will be alleged in court the men were involved in the serious assault and kidnapping of a man, and attempted kidnapping of another.
The pair were refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today (Wednesday 11 March 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Methuen are continuing.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Methuen detectives to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.
