“Such a cowardly thing”: Police hunt after e-scooter hit-and-run on 81-year-old woman
Victoria Police have released an image of a man wanted in connection to an alleged attack on at 81-year-old outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground after an AFL game last Friday.
Jessie Hatch, 81, was walking towards Jolimont Railway Station around 11pm when she was confronted by a man on an e-scooter, who told her to “move off the footpath”.
Hatch then "explained that the footpath is not for vehicles and walked around him”, prompting the man to ride off, but he quickly turned around before allegedly hitting her from behind, causing her to fall to the ground and lose consciousness.
According to Victoria Police, the rider allegedly did not stop to assist Hatch, and was unsuccessfully chased by a passerby.
He was last seen heading west from the Swan Street Bridge.
“She walked between 7-10m away and this guy’s doubled back and then smashed her from behind,” Jessie's son Ken told 7News.
“Apparently she stopped breathing for 20 seconds or so, that’s what we heard.”
Jessie is still in hospital recovering with five stitches in her hand and undergoing more tests on her spine to see if there is permanent damage.
“Such a cowardly thing, I don’t know what would have gone into his head to do that,” Jessie told 7News from her hospital bed.
“Why would somebody do that? He should be ashamed of himself.”
Police are investigating the incident, with Ken calling on the alleged perpetrator to come forward.
“You made a mistake, you did something wrong, come forward,” he added.
The man allegedly involved in the incident was of average height and had fair skin and a stocky build, with straight blonde/brown hair and grey/blue eyes.
He was wearing thick-lensed glasses and a red jacket made of a shiny, waterproof material.
Jessie’s story quickly gained attention around the AFL world, and Collingwood legend Peter Daicos was among those to offer his support.
“I wanted to reach out, I heard about the incident after the game,” he said.
“I hope you’re feeling better and I’m really looking forward to hearing that you’re back at the Collingwood games.
“All the best from not just myself, but the boys and importantly the Collingwood Football Club. All our love, get well soon.”
Image credits: 7News