Firearms charges after alleged kidnapping

A Greymouth man faces firearms offences following the alleged kidnapping of an older man.

The 29-year-old appeared in the Christchurch District Court yesterday on three charges – two of unlawful possession of a firearm and one of unlawful possession of ammunition – following his arrest at Lake Lyndon in Canterbury on Thursday.

Police now say the man knew the alleged victim, a 67-year-old who reportedly said he was forced to drive to the West Coast by a man with a gun.

Police would not say whether they still consider the event a kidnapping.

An investigation is ongoing. On Thursday, Senior Sergeant Nicola Reeves said police were called about a reported kidnapping on West Coast Rd, in the Christchurch suburb of Yaldhurst, about 1.50pm. ‘‘We had information that the offender wanted to go to the West Coast,’’ she said then.

At that stage police weren’t sure if the two men were known to each other.

It is understood the alleged victim told petrol station staff about the situation, who then called the police.

Reeves said a dog handler unit and airport police staff caught up with the alleged offender at Lake Lyndon, about 74 kilometres from Yaldhurst.

The 29-year-old suspect was arrested without incident and the alleged victim was ‘‘safe and well’’ afterwards.

Police then said a number of firearms were discovered in the vehicle.

In a statement yesterday, police said they were continuing to provide support to the alleged victim.