Yahoo Lifestyle Hunt for e-scooter rider after 'cowardly' move leaves elderly Aussie hospitalised
Jessie Hatch was leaving an AFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday night when the incident occurred.
A search is underway for a man riding an e-scooter who ordered an elderly woman to “move off the footpath” before allegedly running her down and leaving her unconscious.
Collingwood fan Jessie Hatch was leaving an AFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground around 11pm on Friday when she was confronted by the irritated man, Victoria Police said.
In response to his request, the 81-year-old woman “explained that the footpath is not for vehicles and walked around him,” a spokesperson said. “As the woman walked away, she was struck from behind by the e-scooter, causing her to fall to the ground and lose consciousness.”
The man then allegedly fled the area as a passer-by tried to chase him down. He was last seen on the e-scooter heading west from the Swan Street Bridge, police said.
Woman slams 'cowardly' e-scooter rider
Hatch was rushed to hospital, where she remains. Speaking to 7News from her bed, the elderly woman described the man’s behaviour as “cowardly”.
“I don’t know what would have gone into his head to do that,” she said. “Why would somebody do that? He should be ashamed of himself.”
Hatch’s furious son, Ken, told the publication his mum reportedly “stopped breathing for 20 seconds or so” following the incident. The 81-year-old is now waiting further test results to see if she has any permanent damage to her spine, he said, before urging the e-scooter rider to “come forward”.
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Police release CCTV of man on e-scooter
On Monday, police released CCTV footage of a man they are hoping to identify and speak to during their investigation.
“[He] is perceived to have very fair skin with a stocky build, average height, straight blonde/brown hair, and grey/blue eyes,” a spokesperson said. “He was wearing thick lensed glasses causing his eyes to appear magnified and a red jacket in shiny, waterproof material.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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