Woman allegedly attacked in Epsom rampage thankful for kickboxing skills
A jogger who was allegedly attacked by a man who went on a violent rampage in Auckland’s Epsom on Wednesday morning says she managed to defend herself thanks to her kickboxing skills.
The 48-year-old woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald she was going on her normal morning run when she was allegedly punched in the back of the head by the much larger man. The incident left her “covered in blood” and needing stitches.
“I was running directly past him when he brushed by me. He got me from behind,” she claimed.
She said the man was much larger and stronger than her.
She was thankful for her years of kickboxing training to be able to fight back.
She said she screamed out for help to several onlookers, one of whom had their camera out, before she managed to get out of the man’s grip.
She claimed the man then took off in a car and crashed into a number of other vehicles, before she managed to go home, “wash the blood off”, and call police and ambulance.
Aside from requiring stitches and bruises, she said she’s “perfectly fine” and is more concerned about the other victims.
“I just hope that they are okay.”
‘Completely nonsensical and erratic’
A woman who stopped to help during the series of violent attacks described the man’s behaviour as “completely nonsensical and erratic”.
Yesterday morning, a female jogger was allegedly assaulted by a 49-year-old man in what police allege was the first in a string of incidents.
When a Good Samaritan stopped to assist the woman, the man allegedly stole her car and used it to continue his alleged rampage.
Three Auckland Grammar students were injured – one critically – after the stolen car was allegedly driven into them during a school training cycle.
A woman’s dog was also killed amid the alleged offending, which spanned along a stretch of Manukau Rd during morning rush hour.
Police confirmed the man was tasered and arrested at 7.13am, eight minutes after the first 111 call was made.
The alleged carjacking victim told 1News the man’s behaviour had been “completely nonsensical and erratic” and she hoped he receives the treatment he needs.
“Furthermore, I hope this prompts inquiry into the wider needs of the underfunded mental health system.
“They need adequate resourcing to look after the most vulnerable and implement strategies to help prevent future catastrophes.”
A damaged car being towed away on Manukau Rd yesterday morning.
Earlier today, Epsom MP David Seymour told Breakfast the man was known to police in relation to mental health illness.
The man was due to appear in the Auckland District Court today but the hearing was delayed.
Defence lawyer Jane-Frances O’Halloran told Judge Grant Fraser that she hadn’t yet been able to take instructions from her client, who remains at Auckland City Hospital.
Court documents show the defendant faces 17 charges, the most serious of which carries a 14-year maximum sentence.
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