Assistance from the public and thorough investigative work into a Hamilton street attack has resulted in not only an alleged attacker being arrested and charged with attempted murder but his victim as well.
Last week officers appealed for information regarding a violent attack on a man who had disturbed two burglars trying to steal a push bike from his Albert St home.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton of the Hamilton CIB said the man then chased the thieves to Onslow St before a confrontation began outside a MacFarlane St address.
"Our original victim, a 32-year-old man, said he confronted the thieves on his own and during the fight suffered stab wounds to the neck, torso and head and also had an ear bitten in half.
"What he didn't tell us was he had an accomplice, who he had chased the thieves with, a man already wanted by Police."
Mr Thornton said Police originally became suspicious because of the large amount of blood at the scene and after several independent witnesses came forward describing a group of four men fighting.
"What has occurred is that not only did our original victim suffer numerous wounds, he also entered into the fray armed with a weapon and used it to stab one of his attackers several times.
"After the incident the two thieves fled with the injured man's friend bandaging up his accomplice who didn't want to go to hospital. Thanks to media coverage the uninjured offender gave himself up earlier this week."
Mr Thornton said it was that same media coverage that led Police to an address this morning where they arrested the second attacker.
"It just goes to show the importance of carrying out thorough investigations, our staff were convinced there was more to this case than met the eye and some good investigative work provided confirmation of the witness statements resulting in the original victim coming clean."
Mr Thornton said the mystery fourth man described at the scene has been identified and Police believe he may hold crucial information to the ongoing inquiry.
"We're asking Quentin Robert TERURE to make contact with Police, though he is wanted on existing unrelated arrest warrants our interest in him in this case is that he may hold vital information on what actually happened."
TERURE is described as a male Maori, 21-years-old, 173cm tall and of medium build.
Anyone who sees TERURE or knows his whereabouts is asked to contact Mr Thornton at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200. Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers crimeline, 0800 555111.
End