Sexually motivated assault on Old Karori Road walkway
Wellington, 19 February 2014 - 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