A woman was sexually assaulted while jogging in a park in Melbourne's north last week. The woman heard someone come up behind her as she went under a bridge while running along a path through Jacana Reserve, near Johnstone St, about 11.30am on Wednesday, August 14, police said. An unknown man threw the woman to the ground and sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to fight the man off and ran away to a nearby carpark where two people helped her and called police. The woman was taken to hospital with scratches and pain in her shoulders.
Police Appeal for Information After 'Extremely Concerning' Attack
Police searched the area with the help of the Air Wing and Dog Squad but were unable to find the man. Detective Inspector Mark Burnett said the incident was “extremely concerning” and the victim was “very brave”. “We were especially impressed with the way she was able to assist police ... and the way she was able to fight and run from the scene,” he said. The victim and the offender are not believed to be known to each other.
Police are keeping an open mind about where the offender might live. Burnett said since the incident police have “painstakingly” gone through hours of CCTV footage from the area including along Ripplebrook Dr and Westfield Blvd.
Police Release CCTV Footage of Suspect
Police have released footage of a man who was in the area at the time and who they are keen to speak with. In one video taken before the incident, the man wearing all black is seen running near the scene. In another video captured after the incident, he is seen walking past houses. Further CCTV shows a man in all black walking onto a bus. “We are keen to speak to anyone who recognises this man or has further information about his identity,” Burnett said. He said local police have been conducting “significant” patrols in the area since it happened. “Investigators are doing everything we can to ensure we identify and find this person as soon as possible and I’d urge anyone with information about the identity of the man to come forward,” Burnett said.
Appeal to the Public
Police are appealing for anyone who lives or was in the area near Jacana Reserve between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Wednesday, August 14 and who may have any footage to contact Crime Stoppers. Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity at the time has also been urged to come forward.
A Call for Justice
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the importance of safety and security in public spaces. As police continue their investigation, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The pursuit of justice for the victim and the apprehension of the perpetrator are paramount in this case.
