Sydney, Australia – A 39-year-old woman was brutally stabbed multiple times in a gym car park by a man she had a brief previous relationship with, authorities reported. The violent attack took place at Crunch Fitness on O’Riordan Street around 12.30pm. The victim sustained serious injuries and is currently recuperating in a hospital following the shocking incident.
Law enforcement officials are pursuing a man with a history of domestic violence offenses, who allegedly fled the scene in a gray 2006 Ford Focus. The next day, a 45-year-old man voluntarily surrendered at Dee Why police station in Sydney and was subsequently taken into custody at Manly police station. No charges have been filed at this time.
A witness at the scene recounted hearing cries for help as she was leaving the car park. Upon turning around, she saw a man assaulting the woman. Fortunately, another individual intervened to stop the attack before the alleged perpetrator drove away.
Authorities suspect that a kitchen knife was used in the assault, adding to concerns about rising incidents of domestic violence and knife crimes in Sydney. Recent high-profile cases have prompted government action, such as the introduction of Jack’s Law, granting police enhanced powers to search individuals for weapons in public settings without a warrant.
Premier Chris Minns condemned the stabbing as a “horrifying and shocking attack,” emphasizing the urgent need to address the escalating rates of domestic violence in the state. Highlighting the prevalence of such incidents, Minns stressed that these events are not isolated and underscore the pressing crisis of domestic violence in New South Wales.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing battle against domestic violence and crime in Sydney, prompting renewed calls for increased awareness and proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. With the community reeling from this recent tragedy, authorities continue to work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.