Sydney, Australia – A 39-year-old woman was left with serious injuries after being stabbed in the neck, ear, and back in a gym car park by a man she had a brief previous relationship with. The attack took place at Crunch Fitness on O’Riordan Street around 12:30 pm on Wednesday, leading the woman to be hospitalized as she recovers from the ordeal.
Authorities were on the lookout for the man, known for past domestic violence offenses, who fled the scene in a grey 2006 Ford Focus. A 45-year-old man turned himself in to Dee Why police station on Thursday morning and was subsequently taken into custody at Manly police station, although charges have not yet been filed.
Eyewitnesses to the incident described hearing screams and seeing a man assaulting the woman in the car park. It was reported that another man intervened to stop the attack before the perpetrator drove away. Police suspect that a kitchen knife was used in the assault.
The stabbing incident adds to the ongoing concerns over domestic violence and knife crimes in Sydney, following a series of high-profile incidents. In response, the state government has introduced new measures to address knife-related crimes, like the implementation of Jack’s Law allowing police to search individuals for knives without a warrant in public places.
Premier Chris Minns condemned the stabbing as a “horrifying and shocking attack,” emphasizing the urgent need to address the prevalent issue of domestic violence in the state. He stressed that these incidents are not isolated and underscore the pressing emergency of domestic violence in New South Wales.
The troubling incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by individuals in abusive relationships and highlights the vital importance of addressing and preventing domestic violence in the community. The ongoing efforts by authorities aim to combat such crimes and enhance safety for all residents in Sydney.