Teenager left wounded after callous attack
A 16-year-old boy from the community is recovering after he and three friends were caught up in a frightening attack on Jasper Road in Bentleigh last Thursday night (January 12).
A 16-year-old from the community is recovering after he and three friends were caught up in a frightening attack on Jasper Road in Bentleigh last Thursday night (January 12).
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the boy, who wished to remain anonymous, described three men who “came from the shadows” and pointed a gun at his group while they were walking to get some fast food.
“I felt completely helpless,” he said.
One of the men, brandishing a knife, “was definitely going for my throat”, he recalled.
With training in self-defence, the boy instinctively put his arm up to defend himself – which resulted in slashes to his hand.
“I just wanted to survive,” he said.
Covered in blood, he was able to escape. Another of his friends was punched in the face, but all managed to flee the attackers.
“They didn’t take anything from me, they were just animals,” he said.
The boy underwent surgery on his hand, and spent four days in hospital. He will require rehabilitation, and at this stage doctors are unsure whether he will regain full movement in his thumb.
He admitted his family and friends are “shaken up” by the incident, and said he plans to be more cautious moving forward.
Does he feel safe? “I’m not sure. It’s getting worse and worse,” he said of crime in the area.
About to start VCE, he said this ordeal will be a setback. A MyCause page has been set up seeking to raise $20,000 to help him through the year.
Meanwhile, Victoria Police told The AJN they are investigating the incident, which they have called an attempted armed robbery.
“The three offenders are described as being aged in their 30s, perceived to be of Caucasian appearance and were wearing dark hooded jumpers at the time of the incident,” a Police spokesperson said.
“Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers.”
To donate to the campaign, go to www.mycause.com.au/knifevictim.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
PHOEBE ROTH
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