A fourth arrest has been made by detectives investigating an attempted robbery in Ramsgate earlier this month.
Armed police were called in following reports of the offence in the High Street at around 1.35pm on Wednesday 7 February, which left the victim, a man in his 20s, needing hospital treatment for an airgun wound to his neck.
At 12.15am yesterday (February 26) officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate arrested Aleksandr Saprykin in Detling.
The 39-year-old, of Chapel Place in Margate, has since been charged with attempted robbery, possession of a firearm (taser) with intent to commit an indictable offence, and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.
He appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court today where he was remanded and will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 12 March.
Mr Saprykin is the fourth person to be arrested in connection with this offence, and the second to be charged.
Ryan Diggins, of Newcastle Hill in Ramsgate, was remanded in custody after being charged with attempted robbery and having an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.
He will also appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 12 March, having previously appeared at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 10 February.
A 26-year-old woman of no fixed address was arrested on 20 February on suspicion of robbery and has been released on bail until 7 March.
A 24-year-old man who was arrested on 7 February in connection with the incident has been released without charge.
Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses, and ask anyone with information about the incident to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/6662/18.