Savage attack in Melbourne's north leaves tourist with bleeding to the brain, broken jaw
The Age
By Matilda Boseley
March 31, 2019
Police are on the hunt for a man who savagely bashed an American tourist in a Preston car park, leaving him with memory loss, bleeding to the brain and a broken jaw.
After performing at a music concert, the 32-year-old victim got off a tram near Bell Street and Plenty Road around 11.30pm on Wednesday night.
As he walked through a car park a man began to follow him, chasing him down and hitting him repeatedly to the head and face.
Detective Senior Constable Matthew Coleiro, of Preston police, said the attacker continued to beat the man even after he fell unconscious.
"The victim regains consciousness and once that has occurred the male has continued to seriously assault the victim again to the point he is unconscious, standing over his body taunting him."
The attacker left the man on the ground where he lay for around 20 minutes. Once he regained consciousness and got to his feet he walked to Bell Street where a passer-by called for an ambulance. "Due to his injuries he required immediate surgery," said Senior Detective Coleiro.
The man required brain surgery to treat internal bleeding and facial surgery because of his broken jaw. He remains in hospital and can not recall the assault due to serious memory loss.
"It's a terrifying assault that's occurred. We don't know why at this point, it appears to be unmotivated so far," said Senior Detective Coleiro.
The victim was due to fly home to America on Saturday.
Police are now searching for the attacker. They are looking for a man in his 30s with a slim build, balding with short dark hair and a dark beard. He was wearing a T-shirt with a white motif on the front, knee-length cargo shorts and was carrying a large backpack.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information relating to the identity of the unknown man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.