UPDATE: A 32-year-old woman was attacked and slashed with a knife after seeking help at the Reservoir Police Station in Melbourne, which was closed at the time. The incident occurred at approximately 2:40 AM on February 17, 2024, highlighting critical concerns over police accessibility in the area.
The woman was parked at the intersection of Mahoneys and Edgars Roads with a 22-year-old passenger when a man approached their vehicle and began damaging it. In a panic, the women drove to the nearby police station only to find it unstaffed, leading to a shocking encounter. The man, who had followed them, produced a knife and threatened the driver, demanding her keys. When she refused, he inflicted a superficial cut to her upper arm before fleeing the scene.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after the incident when the women drove to a nearby shopping center car park to call for help. First responders treated the driver for her minor injury, while her passenger escaped unharmed.
Authorities are now investigating the incident as an assault and attempted aggravated carjacking. A police spokesperson stated, “It appears the offender is known to the victim, and the investigation remains ongoing.” The incident raises serious questions about public safety and police availability, particularly as the Reservoir Police Station has limited hours, operating only from 11 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and closed on weekends.
This attack follows a troubling pattern across Victoria, where 43 police stations have reduced their operating hours since 2023 due to staffing shortages, initially described as a temporary measure. Community members are now voicing concerns about safety and the adequacy of police resources, especially in vulnerable situations.
Police are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to come forward. As the investigation unfolds, the community is left reeling from the implications of this alarming event.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
