‘Completely unprovoked’: Driver’s horror injuries in attack at Melbourne car wash
A Melbourne man has suffered potentially permanent vision loss in a “completely unprovoked” road rage attack at a busy car wash.
Police said a 49-year-old man was waiting in line at a car wash in Cheltenham Rd, Keysborough, between 11am and 1pm on January 10 when he was approached by an unidentified man.
An argument broke out between the two and violence soon broke out, with the 49-year-old man being punched nearly 10 times by the other man.
Police said the man then fled the scene in a silver Haval H6 SUV.
Police Constable Vicky Mullan said it was not known why the attacker launched the attack, but he appeared “excited” after waiting in the car wash queue.
“It’s a road rage incident where the offender couldn’t wait to get into the car wash, that’s all we can detect at this stage,” he said.
The 49-year-old man, who went home after the attack, took a taxi to Dandenong Hospital after realizing that his eyesight was deteriorating.
His nose is broken and his eye socket is fractured, and he is awaiting eye surgery.
The man’s injuries may be so extensive that he may suffer permanent vision loss. He was also warned to avoid sneezing or blowing his nose as it could cause further damage.
“This was a completely unprovoked attack that resulted in very serious injuries to the victim,” Constable Mullan said.
The police released camera footage of the incident to catch the escaped attacker.
“We have CCTV footage and we advise you to surrender because someone who knows you will see this and it would be better if you surrender yourself to us,” he said.
“We will identify you.”
Officer Mullan urged the man to come forward.
“You’ve potentially caused lifelong damage to someone’s eyes,” he said.
“This is not good enough (and) the public does not deserve this.”
Officer Mullan said the victim was shaken by the incident.
“He was drunk, but the last time I spoke to him he was in good spirits,” he said.
“But obviously we’re worried about this male still being there, and we’re worried about this happening to someone else.”
Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
