A police investigation into how a Far North man was tied up and injured by three intruders led detectives to a Whangarei house yesterday.
Earlier this month a man in his 50s, who owns Steed's Butchery and Dairy in Waiharara, north of Kaitaia, managed to break free from tape bindings and call police.
He told them he had been bashed about the head by balaclava-wearing intruders shortly after midnight on May 13.
The trio had demanded keys to the man's shop, five doors away, and took tobacco and cigarettes. A card belonging to the man was used at a Doubtless Bay cash machine about 5.30am that day.
The Whangarei house was searched and a 33-year-old man charged with being an accessory after the fact of aggravated robbery. He was held in custody and was scheduled to appear in Whangarei District Court today.
Kaitaia police Detective Sergeant Trevor Beatson said police would oppose the man being given bail and he warned anyone who might be hiding or helping suspects evade police. "Police are actively seeking out people involved and people who are aiding and assisting those people could find themselves arrested."
As police continue to piece together the drama they have issued a warrant for 24-year-old Terri Lois Gage. She is wanted in relation to the unlawful taking of a vehicle and police want to talk to her about the aggravated robbery.
Gage is described as 174cm tall, of heavy build with blonde streaks in her hair.
Anyone who has seen Gage should contact Detective Dean Gorrie on (09) 408 6543.
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