Manhunt after woman stabbed in ‘targeted’ attack
A major manhunt for a man accused of repeatedly stabbing a woman he briefly dated outside a gym in Sydney’s inner south is ongoing, with police alleging it was a “targeted” attack.
Officers were called to the Crunch Fitness gym in Alexandria at about 12.30pm on Wednesday after being told a man, believed to be in his 40s, had stabbed a 39-year-old woman inside the carpark, before fleeing in a vehicle.
The woman, who was rushed to hospital in a serious but stable condition, suffered multiple wounds to her neck, upper body and head during the attack.
Detective Superintendent Rodney Hart said initial inquiries suggested the victim and alleged offender were previously in a “very short” relationship, and said the man is known to police for domestic violence related offences.
Detective Superintendent Hart urged the man to come forward, and said an arrest warrant was being sought.
He said the man allegedly fled the scene in a 2006 grey Ford Focus hatchback with the registration AYQ14W, and described the man as being about 170-175cm tall, with a muscular to solid build, dark hair and possibly dark beard.
He also said he was last seen wearing a grey jacket, black pants and white sneakers.
“It’s horrendous what has happened to this poor victim,” he said.
Detective Superintendent Hart urged the man to hand himself into police, as an arrest warrant was being sought.
“Detectives at the moment are attempting to obtain an arrest warrant for this man,” he said.
“We are going to find him and we’re going to arrest him.”
Detective Superintendent Hart said the man had allegedly used a kitchen-style knife during the attack.
Although police believed it was a “targeted attack,” he said members of the public should not approach the man as he might be armed.
“We are concerned that he may still be armed, so I do ask members of the public if they identify or see this person, do not to approach him but call triple-0 immediately and the police will respond,” he said.
A witness told 9 News he saw the woman was bleeding from her neck and her ears.
The woman was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
One witness, named Claire, told the ABC she was about to enter the gym when she heard “a scream” and said she saw the man on top of the woman.
“Because of the distance, I wasn’t sure what he was trying to do to her. It looked like he was attacking her or he was trying to rob her,” she said.
The attack comes one day after the NSW government flagged the introduction of increased police powers, which would allow authorities to “wand” people for knives in areas such as shopping centres and transport hubs.
The laws, which will likely be introduced into NSW parliament next week, will be made available in circumstances where a relevant weapons offence/knife crime have occurred within the past six months, and be available to police for 12 hours, with the option to extend.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Womensline: 1800 811 811
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24hr helpline: 1800 RESPECT
Lifeline: 13 1144
Family Violence Crisis and Support Service: 1800 608 122
Emergency/Police: 000
