Armed fugitives captured in WA after violent kidnapping in NSW
- Two suspects were arrested in Balladonia, WA, after a violent crime spree that began in NSW.
- The pair allegedly kidnapped and shot a man before fleeing across the country in a stolen vehicle.
- They are facing serious charges and remain in custody while authorities continue to search for a third suspect.
In Australia, two fugitives were apprehended in Balladonia, Western Australia, following a series of violent crimes committed in New South Wales. The suspects, a 38-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man, allegedly kidnapped a 32-year-old man at gunpoint in Port Macquarie at an unspecified date before transporting him to a remote area where they shot him several times and left him for dead. The victim, who survived the ordeal, was discovered by a trail runner in a severely injured state, prompting a police investigation. He was subsequently hospitalized in serious condition and has since provided information to law enforcement. The alleged kidnappers fled the scene in a 2014-model Holden SUV and traveled approximately 500 kilometers west to the isolated community of Balladonia, crossing state borders. Authorities in New South Wales notified their counterparts in Western Australia after receiving a tip-off regarding the couple's whereabouts, which sparked a search operation. The vehicle, reported to be having mechanical difficulties, was eventually located near Balladonia Roadhouse amidst dense scrubland by Western Australia Police. Officers created a highly-controlled environment for the arrest, considering the perceived danger posed by the suspects. The SUV was surrounded by armed police before the pair were taken into custody without further incident. A loaded sawn-off rifle was reportedly discovered in the vehicle, underscoring the threats posed by the suspects. During the operation, one officer sustained minor facial injuries. Following the arrest, both individuals were extradited back to New South Wales. While the two suspects have both been denied bail and face serious charges including kidnapping and attempted murder, there remains an unresolved aspect of this case regarding a third individual, a 27-year-old woman, who is still at large. Authorities are continuing their investigation to piece together the motives behind the violent crime and why the suspects chose to travel to Western Australia after committing such acts in New South Wales.