CCTV footage released: Thought of attempted carjacking happening to daughter upsets 62-year-old victim
Despite suffering serious injuries that required surgery, a man who fought off a would-be car thief in Hastings, is most upset about the thought of it happening to his daughter, who was meant to take the trip that night.
In an episode of Police Ten 7, which aired on Thursday night, police released CCTV footage of the suspect believed to responsible for the attempted carjacking, which happened on Francis Hicks Ave, about 5.40pm on Wednesday, June 9.
The 62-year-old victim had been reversing out of his driveway on Francis Hicks Ave for a "midweek takeaway" when a male crossed in front of him in the centre of the road and "ripped open" the driver's side door, Hastings Constable Katie Francis said.
"He's demanded to have the vehicle. Our victim has fought him off, managed to get his vehicle in drive and gone a short distance up the road."
Detective Sergeant Rob Lemoto says the victim has "worked hard his whole life so he wasn't about to give up his car when the suspect demanded it".
Constable Francis described the attack as "random" and "completely unacceptable" and appealed to the public to help them solve it.
"As a result of fighting off the suspect that night, he's received shoulder injuries that require surgery. Although the victim has been seriously injured, what he is more upset about is that happening to his daughter. His daughter was meant to take that trip that night."
She said the suspect was able to hang onto the car for a short distance and was dragged along the road before letting go. As a result, he may have sustained injuries by being dragged by the car.
Constable Francis described the suspect as being six-foot-tall, Caucasian, of skinny build and with a scruffy appearance and unshaven. He was wearing a t-shirt with a print and shorts and was last seen heading towards Southampton Rd.
"It was a little unusual that he's been in shorts and t-shirt because it was a cold night," she said.
Minutes before the incident, a male matching the suspect's description was seen on the corner of Maraekakaho Rd and Francis Hicks Ave. "As he's been coming along Francis Hicks Ave, he's been trying car doors," Constable Francis said.
Police are seeking assistance from the community following the incident in the St Leonards suburb.
Police also would like to hear from the driver of a silver hatchback that stopped to help the victim on the night. "We also know that there were other vehicles and trucks in the area at the time, and we ask that if they do have dashcam that they can check their dashcam and let police know."
Detective Sergeant Lemoto said: "This suspect didn't care who he targeted, so this really could have happened to anyone".
"This is totally unacceptable behaviour and we can't allow it to happen in our neighbourhood".
"The suspect may think he's gotten away with it but we've got some good clues that will help track him down," Detective Sergeant Lemoto said.
Anyone with information is urged to call 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and quote file number 210610/4234.
