Man charged with murder following incident in Hamilton

Police have charged a 20-year-old man with murder following an incident at a house on Bellmont Avenue in Chartwell, Hamilton last night.

Police were called to the property at 6.40pm and located a 31-year-old man deceased.

“The alleged offender, who was known to the victim, had fled the scene prior to police arrival”, said Detective Inspector Daryl Smith.

“A search for the alleged offender immediately commenced, including the deployment of Eagle helicopter to Waikato District to assist.

“At around 12.20am, the alleged offender stole a car from a motorist at gunpoint. The motorist had stopped to pick up the man, who was hitchhiking on Gordonton Road. Fortunately the motorist was not injured but they were understandably shaken by the incident.

“At around 12.40am a police dog unit spotted the stolen car and pursued it north to Ngāruawāhia, where road spikes were deployed. The car came to a stop in Ngāruāwahia and the alleged offender was arrested.

“The 20-year-old man has been charged with murder, aggravated robbery and failing to stop for police.

“He is expected to appear in Hamilton District Court this morning.”