A woman has been brutally attacked in a deserted Maitland car park and a police search is under way to catch one of the offenders.
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About 5.30am on Wednesday a 40-year-old woman parked her vehicle in the car park behind the Maitland City Council building. As she exited the car to attend her local gym, two men approached her.
They threatened her with a weapon and demanded she hand over her bag. When she was not quick enough to respond she was attacked with the weapon and her belongings ripped from her hand.
The woman suffered a wound to her leg and several facial injuries. Her screams alerted a nearby good Samaritan who came to her aid.
The man saw the two alleged offenders as they attempted to flee towards Elgin Street. He gave chase and using his martial arts skills managed to grab one of the attackers and restrain him until police arrived.
Central Hunter Police arrested the man and launched a search for the missing offender. The woman’s belongings were recovered and a weapon was found nearby the scene of the attack.
The police are seeking the public’s assistance to locate the offender who fled on foot. He is believed to be in the Maitland area and is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, between 165-170 centimetres and in his early 20s. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper.
It is believed the two attackers were not from the area and arrived in Maitland by train.
“Do not approach the offender, we believe him to be dangerous,” Central Hunter acting crime manager Acting Detective Inspector Mitch Dubojski said.
“Contact police immediately if sighted.”
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000 or Maitland Police Station on 4934 0200.
The man arrested at the scene was a 24-year-old from Casino. He was taken to Maitland Police Station and is expected to be charged later today.
The woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
“We greatly appreciate the help of the good Samaritan, who also did a great deal to put the victim at ease,” Inspector Dubojski said.
“Now we need the community’s help to track down the second offender.”