Police Save Young Woman Being Attacked

New Zealand Police National News Release
11:13am 27 July 2008

27 July 2008

Two Hamilton Constables are being praised for their quick actions in rescuing a young woman from a horrific attack at her workplace this morning.

Senior Sergeant van de Wetering of Hamilton Police said an urgent call for help to a Whitiora service station was received about 6.35am.

"A distressed male attendant called us asking for help, on arrival our officers were directed to the rear of the store, to a locked back room, where screams could be heard coming from a 20-year-old female worker.

"Kicking their way through the door the two officers then had to use pepper spray and physical force to remove an armed man who was threatening the terrified woman."

The 35-year-old man was arrested for sexual assault and will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.

"Though not suffering life threatening injuries the victim was understandably traumatised by her ordeal and was taken to Waikato Hospital," said Mr van de Wetering.

"At this point I would like to commend the two Constables for acting decisively in saving the young woman from this terrible ordeal," he said.

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