North Shore Police in Takapuna are seeking the identity of a young Asian man, after he approached a 42 year old woman, while she was out power walking in Northcote on Waitangi Day.
Police say that between 5.15pm and 5.30pm on Monday 6 February 2006, the local woman was walking the tracks of Turner Reserve and Kauri Glen Park. She entered the track from Woodside Avenue.
She then saw a young Asian male standing on the track. He spoke to her in a friendly manner, seeking information on where the tracks led. She responded briefly and then continued on her walk.
About five minutes later the woman became aware there was someone running up from behind her. It was the same male she had seen earlier. The male grabbed hold of her clothing, and made a number of indecent suggestions to her.
The victim managed to break free of her attacker, and screamed. She quickly moved away from the male, and then ran off to call Police.
Detective Sergeant Nadene Richmond of the Takapuna CIB, says the woman was shaken by the incident but not physically harmed. This attack is unusual in that it was carried out by a young Asian male, on a European woman of this age group.
"It is a timely reminder to all women using the tracks for exercise especially those who regularly train alone, to be alert, and to keep themselves safe."
"It is important to always give consideration to the selection of jogging or walking locations, and to choose training times carefully," Detective Sergeant Richmond said.
"The woman was particularly brave; she kept her cool, and has been able to provide Police with a good description of her attacker." He is:
• Male,
• Asian ethnicity,
• Aged about 18 years,
• Approximately 5 feet 9 inches in height
• Medium/athletic build.
• Clean shaven.
At the time of the attack the above described Asian male was wearing a white baggy t-shirt with a design on the front of a truck. Dark blue track pants. He also wore a dark blue, or black coloured baseball cap, with an embroidered emblem on the front.
"We would especially like assistance from the Asian community, to help identify this offender," Detective Sergeant Richmond said.
Anyone who has any information or was in the locality at the time when this incident happened on Waitangi Day is asked to contact either of these two investigating officers at the Takapuna CIB :-
Detective Sergeant Nadene Richmond on [09] 488-6247, or Detective Constable Kirstina Jamieson on [09] 488-6200.