Alleged road rage attack victim details physical and mental trauma from stabbing in December
A Hawke's Bay man is still recovering mentally and physically after a road rage incident that saw him attacked and stabbed through the open window of his car by gang members in central Hastings.
Six months from the incident on Warren St at about 9pm on December 6 last year, the three alleged offenders still have not been caught.
In an appeal to the public for more information, footage of the assault was shown on a Police Ten 7 episode on Thursday night.
The unidentified victim, who ran from the scene past Hasting Library with a punctured lung, said he would have died if he hadn't booted the door of his car open and fled.
"When the knife came out, I knew straight away I would have been dead if I stayed there," the victim said.
He was driving on Oliphant Road when he came across a grey Suzuki Swift.
Detective James Mason said there was some confusion when he tried to give way, so he changed his mind and drove around the Swift.
"As he travelled back towards Hastings to pick up his partner, the grey Suzuki Swift followed him," Detective Mason said. "He became aware of this and became concerned that it was following far too close."
When he pulled in Warren St realising that he was being chased, the grey Suzuki Swift pulled up alongside the victim's vehicle.
The victim noticed two of his attackers were wearing Mongrel Mob patches. One of the suspects ordered the others to grab a knife from the Suzuki Swift, but when they seemed uncomfortable doing so, the suspect grabbed the knife himself and returned to stab the victim through the window, Detective Mason said.
Fearing for his life, the victim forced his way out of his vehicle and fled the scene. It wasn’t until he had run some distance that he realised he had a punctured lung.
"We are very fortunate that the victim is still alive today. He was punched multiple times and received multiple stab wounds and he is still recovering today from those wounds," Detective Mason said.
He received multiple stab wounds and it left him "really screwed up".
"It does build a lot of hate and anger... It really is disgusting how they think because they're a part of something they can do what they want. There should be consequences for anything; it doesn't matter if it's gang-affiliated or what."
Detective Mason says they know that three people were involved in this attack, two of which weren't comfortable with the use of a knife.
"This might be playing on their mind, so it's important they come and speak to us first before we come knock on their door."
Detective Sergeant Lemoto says the investigation team have checked security cameras from around town and have picked up the movements of a Suzuki Swift that they believe contain the suspects’ involved in the attack.
"These men are dangerous and it's important they get them off the streets and in front of the judge."
"I have no doubt that these guys would have bragged about a heroic effort against someone who had slighted them, but the truth is it was a cowardly attack on an innocent member of the public and we really need to catch these guys."
"We're appealing to the public to come forward with any sightings of the grey Suzuki swift. If anyone recognises the vehicle or the occupants or can tell us any of the movements of the vehicle on the night of the attack we want to hear from you."
If anyone has any information or sightings of the vehicle in question, call 0800 107 INFO or go to: www.police.govt.nz/can-you-help-us/police-ten-7.
