DETECTIVES are hunting the “cowards” who attacked a teenage girl minutes after they pulled a reported firearm on a driver as they attempted to stop him in the middle of an Armidale road.
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Investigators believe several people in the community know who is behind the reported attempted carjacking on Queen Elizabeth Drive and then the two-on-one assault in the carpark of the Girraween Shopping Complex.
“Police are hunting these cowards and every resource available is being thrown at the investigation,” New England Detective Sergeant Crotty told The Leader.
“Detectives are following several leads in the investigation into the two incidents, which we believe are linked, but there are members in the community who know who these people are.
Police are hunting these cowards and every resource available is being thrown at the investigation.
- New England Detective Sergeant Crotty
“Our investigators will not stop until those responsible are arrested and put before the courts.”
The 18-year-old girl was walking to her car shortly after 9pm and just had unlocked her vehicle when she was attacked from behind, police said.
“One of the males has grabbed her from behind and thrown her to the ground, demanding property from her including her car keys,” Detective Sergeant Crotty said.
“The woman was assaulted and received facial injuries but a member of the public came to her assistance and the two offenders fled.”
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Shortly beforehand, a man was driving along Queen Elizabeth Drive when he was flagged down by two men on the road.
“One of the males instructed him to pull over and approached the driver’s side where he removed a coloured object which the victim believed to be a firearm,” Detective Sergeant Crotty said.
“The victim heard a loud bang and immediately drove off.”
Investigators shut down the street, between Golgotha and Niagara Streets, and forensics have examined the roadway, and the surrounding area.
Detectives have doorknocked the area and are closing in on those behind the violent attack.
We would appeal to those people who know who these cowards are to come forward, we need to speak to them.
- New England Detective Sergeant Crotty
“We would appeal to those people who know who these cowards are to come forward, we need to speak to them,” Detective Sergeant Crotty said.
“Community safety is paramount and members of the public have a right to go about their daily lives feeling safe, and we want to ensure those responsible are arrested.”
Anyone with information on the incidents or who saw two men acting suspiciously in the Queen Elizabeth Drive or Girraween area is urged to contact Armidale detectives on 6771 0699.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
