15 Feb 2017

Arrest in daylight abduction case

12:18 am on 15 February 2017

A man has been arrested and charged over the abduction of a woman in broad daylight in central Auckland.

Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe on Haslett St where the woman was abducted.

Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe on Haslett St where the woman was abducted. Photo: RNZ / Sharon Brettkelly

The woman, in her twenties, was forced into the car while walking through the suburb of Eden Terrace, but managed to jump out of the vehicle while it was still moving.

Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe said she was in the car only a short time, but it was a traumatic ordeal and she was trying to come to terms with what had happened to her.

Police said they had charged a 30 year-old man with abduction, indecent assault and aggravated wounding.

He will appear in Auckland District Court this morning.

Police earlier said the woman was walking along Haslett Street towards Ponsonby when she saw a man standing next to several parked cars. As she passed the man, he grabbed her from behind and dragged her into his car.

The man drove off and a struggle took place, which ended with the woman breaking free, opening the door and jumping out of the moving car.

Two members of the public saw her jump from the car on Copeland Street, and the car then speed towards Ian McKinnon Drive, police said.

Mr Pascoe said the woman had been told about the arrest and was very relieved.

A large group of officers was assigned to the case yesterday and received more than 20 calls about the abduction, police said.

A leaflet drop was done yesterday morning and police also went door-to-door asking for information.