A 54-year-old man accused of violently attacking and robbing the female owner of a Waihi salon last week after forcing his way into her store will appear in Hamilton District Court today.
Detective Sergeant Jason Perry of the Waihi CIB said the alleged offender, who was arrested overnight has been charged with robbery and kidnapping.
Mr Perry said the victim was locking up her hair salon on Rosemont Rd at 8.45pm on April 22 when the 54-year-old offender forced his way into the store, assaulted her and made off with her handbag.
The courage of the victim and also assistance from the public to help identify the offender played major roles in the offender's arrest, he said.
"The victim's presence of mind in what must have been quite a traumatic situation enabled her to escape her attacker and raise the alarm."