Cable Tie Event ‘A Lawful Citizen’s Arrest’

Charges Laid Over Alleged Hunter Valley Abduction

Three men have been charged and one remains on the run after an alleged abduction in the Hunter Valley on Tuesday.

It’s alleged the men forced a 30-year-old male into a car at gunpoint in Rutherford about 2.15pm before driving him to a nearby industrial area and assaulting him.

The victim managed to escape and ran to a nearby business for help.

Police allege the three men restrained the victim with cable ties during the incident.

Officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District attended and arrested three men – aged 33, 41, and 56 – a short time later.

They were taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with take/detain in company with intent to get advantage, inflict actual bodily harm, and robbery in company.

The 56-year-old man was also charged with three counts of common assault.

Police are still searching for a fourth man who allegedly helped carry out the abduction.

All three men were refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Wednesday 23 February 2023).

Inquiries are continuing.