A MAN is behind bars accused of a wild road rage incident before kidnapping the occupants of the car that had crashed on the New England Highway.
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The 31-year-old is facing a long list of charges including drug dealing, dealing with the proceeds of crime, predatory driving and kidnapping after incidents on Saturday and Monday.
He was arrested at a motel on Monday morning, less than 48 hours after police allege his two victims escaped after he kidnapped them.
Police claim it all started about 5am on Saturday when he was allegedly behind the wheel of a white Holden station wagon on the New England Highway, about 8km north of Guyra.
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It's the police case that the 31-year-old rammed a silver Holden Statesman, which left the road and crashed, after rolling several times.
Police allege the driver then kidnapped the couple inside - who were known to him. The man and woman told police they were taken to Armidale where they were assaulted and held against their will, but managed to escape a short time later.
The pair alerted police and were taken to Armidale hospital for treatment for their injuries.
The New England Proactive Crime Team took charge of the investigation because of the serious nature of the claims and later homed in on a motel on Monday morning.
About 10am, officers surrounded the motel on Marsh Street and raided the room.
Investigators seized a quantity of what they claim is methylamphetamine, or ice, as well as more than $30,000 in cash.
The 31-year-old was arrested and taken to Armidale police station for questioning.
He was eventually charged with almost 20 offences including taking or detaining a person in company with an intent to obtain an advantage; predatory driving; driving dangerously; armed with intent; damaging property; supplying prohibited drugs; dealing with the proceeds of crime; and driving with a cancelled licence.
He was was refused bail to front court on Tuesday.