By Cam Lucadou-Wells
AN 89-YEAR-OLD woman feared for her life as she was choked “out of the blue“ by a much younger female stranger at Endeavour Hills shopping centre.
The victim had been sitting on chairs next to her attacker, believed to be in her 20s, outside Woolworths supermarket about 11am on 23 October.
Without provocation, the other woman then allegedly stood up, repeatedly punched the victim to the arm and throttled her.
The victim cried out for help, leading to a male by-stander to enquire if the two women knew each other.
The victim, who had attended the centre with family members, told him that she’d never seen the other woman before.
Another female then walked out of the supermarket. She told off the attacker and left the scene with her.
The attacker was described as medium height and stocky build with short, light-brown hair and wearing a turquoise jumper over a pink top.
Senior Constable Marvin Johnson of Endeavour Hills police said the victim stated she was in “fear for her life” during the attack, especially given her pre-existing heart difficulties.
Sen Const Johnson said the victim had sought medical assistance the day after the assault.
“The victim is understandably distressed. She thought her heart would give out.
“It happened pretty quickly. She has no idea who (the attacker) is.
“It was just out of the blue.”
The victim made her statement to police on 3 November, describing her disappointment in shopping centre security personnel.
Any information to Endeavour Hills police on 9709 7666 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and crimestoppersvic.com.au.
