Rodney Police investigating the attempted abduction of a 10 year old girl in the coastal suburb of Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa, a week ago today say a further witness is being sought in their mission to locate the alleged offender.
Detective Mark PALMA says 'Katie' was walking in an easterly direction along Waiora Road, Stanmore Bay, last Tuesday 10 April 2007 at about 2.00pm when a black 4 x wheel drive vehicle pulled up ahead of her.
"As she walked past the vehicle, the male driver and sole occupant leapt out and grabbed the young victim. The man then attempted to force the 10 year old girl into the back seat."
"The victim has put up a determined struggle forcing the offender to give up. He has then driven off at speed in the direction of Brightside Road. A middle aged male driving a blue coloured van prevented the girl's abduction," he said.
"We're now aware that there's another witness to the attempted abduction. This person was driving a commercial van or contractor's vehicle west on Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay soon after the incident happened."
"We would like to speak to the male driver of this pale green or blue vehicle. We believe it was travelling between Langton Road and Cooper Road at about 2.30 to 2.40pm."
"This individual is believed to have followed the black 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle police are seeking because of the manner in which it was being driven. We would like this driver to contact Orewa CIB as soon as possible, as he may have valuable information which can greatly assist us in our current enquiries."
"Another member of the public who resides in the vicinity of D'Oyly Drive has told police he saw the 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle turning into Cooper Road from Vipond Road. This was soon after the time of the attempted abduction."
"This witness says the 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle was driving in an erratic manner prior to it entering Coopers Road. Shortly after he saw a light coloured van arrive. The driver appeared to be looking down all the side streets. His actions indicated that he was specifically searching for the 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle."
"We are appealing to the public for any information which they may have about a 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle that fits the following description."
FOUR X FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE
COLOUR - Black
UPHOLSTERY - Red
WINDOWS - Tinted
REAR WHEEL - Spare wheel mounted on rear of vehicle
WHEEL COVER - There is a Black cover over the rear wheel/tyre
No Registration Number:
Police say the person they are seeking for this attempted abduction is:
MALE - European
AGE - about 35- 40's
HEIGHT - 185 cm [6:1]
HAIR - Dark
FEATURES - has facial hair on this chin - 'goatee' or small beard
CLOTHING - wearing a black jacket with bold writing on sleeves.
"Police want the public to nominate any 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle that fits the above description. Someone must know of such a vehicle."
"We want to find this offender so that he can be taken into custody."
"We want to hear as soon as possible," Detective PALMA said.
Similarly if anyone knows who was driving the described light coloured commercial van or contractor's vehicle on Vipond Road soon after the attempted abduction happened, please contact Detective Mark PALMA at the Orewa CIB on 09 427 4532:
Ends:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 - Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz