At about 8.40pm last night (18/02/14), a 22 year old female victim was jogging through the Old Karori Road walkway. This short track runs between Curtis Street and Whitehead Road in Northland and is a secluded, well used pedestrian thoroughfare.
The victim was attacked from behind by a male offender who she had just passed on the track and she was pulled to the ground. She fought back and her screams were heard by a nearby resident who thankfully came to her immediate aid. As the resident neared the scene the offender ran off at speed and was last seen running along Curtis Street, towards Appleton Park (in a southerly direction).
Detective Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel says "It is apparent this is a sexually motivated attack and the victim did a great job fighting the offender off. If not for the timely intervention of the resident the outcome could have been far worse for her. The victim sustained moderate injuries and was admitted to Wellington Hospital last night, she is now recovering at home with family and friends."
"A full scene examination has been undertaken this morning and an area canvass will begin with residents in the immediate area this evening."
"We are appealing to anybody who may have seen a male loitering or acting suspiciously around the Old Karori Road walkway yesterday evening, or in recent times. It is also possible the offender sustained injuries, such as scratches to his body, as result of the victim fighting back. If last night you noticed someone come home with unexplained injuries, I encourage you to contact Police straight away."
The offender is described as a male believed to be in his twenties, around 180 cms tall with tanned skin, a muscular build, short hair and spoke with a kiwi accent. He was wearing a grey coloured top and possibly board shorts.
Detective Senior Sergeant van den Heuvel added "At this stage of the investigation this appears to be an isolated incident, however, the offender is still at large and this is obviously of concern to us. I encourage female joggers in the area to take extra precautions at this time such as running with a friend and keeping to well-lit areas, where people are around."
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact to Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000. Alternatively, anonymous information can be provided to the Crimestoppers organisation on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
For media queries please contact Nick Bohm, Wellington District Communications Manager, on 021 192 1816.