The home of a man accused of "targeting" a 15 year old Waikato boy in a hit and run, has burnt down overnight in a suspected arson.
The 28 year old who was granted interim name suppression, appeared in the Hamilton District court Monday afternoon charged with Intent to Cause Grievous Bodily Harm.
It's alleged he used a black Toyota Auris to target the 15 year old.
Newshub understands he knew his victim.
The teen sustained multiple internal injuries but is now out of Intensive Care and in a ward at Waikato Hospital.
It's alleged the 28 year old hit the teen at least three times with the vehicle, near the Hopuhopu Sports Domain last Wednesday as he walked to the bus after visiting his nana.
The vehicle, reported stolen an hour later, was found on Thursday evening 25km away at the Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve off Tauhei Rd.
The accused appeared before Community Magistrate Brenda Midson on Monday who remanded him in custody until tomorrow 215pm while a suitable bail address can be found.
Newshub understands emergency services were called to a large fire last night, at the address the accused had hoped to be bailed to.
Fire and Emergency says four crews attended a blaze in Ngāruawāhia around 8.30pm.
"On arrival firefighters found the house was well-involved in fire."
Detective Inspector Darrell Harpur said police are "treating the house fire as suspicious" and a scene examination is ongoing.
The 28 year old's lawyer Amin Osama told the court "the inference is quite clear this was in retaliation to this man's alleged actions."
