Key Takeaways:
- A violent and unprovoked assault occurred at a supervised gathering in Churton Park, Wellington, on Saturday, December 13, involving seven young people.
- Four uninvited individuals, including one armed with a weapon, arrived at the gathering and carried out the assault before fleeing the area.
- An 18-year-old Tawa man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts, including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- Police are seeking the public’s help to identify three men who may be able to assist with the investigation.
- The men are described as wearing distinctive clothing, including a Pittsburgh Steelers NFL jersey, a black hoodie with ‘Lakers’ printed on the front, and a grey hoodie with beige/grey shorts.
Introduction to the Incident
The Wellington police are currently investigating a violent and unprovoked assault that occurred at a supervised gathering in Churton Park on Saturday, December 13. The incident involved seven young people who were attending a gathering at a premises in the area. According to Acting Detective Sergeant Laura Murdoch, about 90 people were in attendance at the gathering when four uninvited individuals arrived, sparking the violent assault. The alleged offenders were masked, and one was armed with a weapon, which was used to carry out the attack on the seven young people.
The Assault and Injuries
The assault was described as "planned, violent, and unprovoked" by Detective Sergeant Murdoch. The seven victims received a range of injuries, from minor bruising to a fractured skull, which required surgery. The severity of the injuries highlights the brutal nature of the attack and the need for the police to identify and apprehend those responsible. The fact that the alleged offenders were able to carry out such a violent attack without provocation raises concerns about the safety and well-being of young people in the community.
Investigation and Arrest
Police have established that the alleged offenders attended the Mobil Gas Station in Johnsonville around 20 minutes prior to the assault. This information has helped the police to piece together the events leading up to the attack. An 18-year-old Tawa man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts, including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault with intent to injure, and common assault. The arrest is a significant development in the investigation, and the police are now seeking the public’s help to identify three men who may be able to assist with the investigation.
Description of the Suspects
The police have released descriptions of the three men they are seeking to identify. One man is wearing a ’36’ Pittsburgh Steelers NFL jersey, light-colored denim shorts, and blue and white basketball sneakers. The second man is wearing a black hoodie with ‘Lakers’ printed on the front, dark-colored shorts, white sneakers, and has a diamante stud earring in their left ear. A third person, who cannot be seen in the images, has been described as wearing a grey hoodie, beige/grey shorts, and black sneakers. The police are urging anyone who recognizes these individuals or has information about the assault to come forward.
Appeal for Information
The police are asking the public to help identify the three men and to provide any information that may be relevant to the investigation. If you know who these men may be, or attended the gathering, please get in touch with the police at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, using the reference number 251217/8772. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers online or through 0800 555 111. The police are counting on the public’s help to bring those responsible for the assault to justice and to ensure that the community is safe for everyone.
Conclusion
The violent and unprovoked assault in Churton Park is a concerning incident that highlights the need for community vigilance and cooperation with the police. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. The public’s help is crucial in this process, and anyone with information is urged to come forward. By working together, we can help to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and ensure that our communities are safe and secure for everyone.