Extortion charge, Rockhampton
Police have charged two men with extortion after a man was allegedly assaulted and had his car stolen at Rockhampton early yesterday morning.
It will be alleged sometime between midnight and 1am, two men in a utility drove down a laneway off George Street with the driver stopping to speak to a man standing in the laneway. Several men then pulled the driver and his 22-year-old passenger out of the utility before assaulting them both and stealing the vehicle.
The driver, a 30-year-old Kawana man, contacted family who attended the scene and transported him to RockhamptonBaseHospital for treatment to facial injuries including fractures and a laceration. His passenger sustained minor injuries.
It will be alleged that money was demanded for the return of the stolen vehicle.
A 21-year-old Gracemere man has been charged with one count each of extortion and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
A 32-year-old Rockhampton man has been charged with one count each of extortion, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of a knife.
They are both due to appear in Rockhampon Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Police investigations are continuing.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
