Police hunt e-scooter rider after knocking elderly woman unconscious

Police are searching for a man after the e-scooter he was riding struck an 81-year-old woman from behind, leaving her unconscious after she attended an AFL match.

Police allege the elderly woman was walking towards Jolimont Railway Station from the MCG after attending a Carlton-Collingwood match on May 3, when she was confronted by the man at around 11.10pm.

“The man told the woman to move off the footpath and she explained that the footpath is not for vehicles and walked around him,” a police spokesperson said.

“As the woman walked away, she was struck from behind by the e-scooter, causing her to fall to the ground and lose consciousness.”

It’s alleged the e-scooter rider did not stop and was chased by a passer-by and last seen heading west from the Swan Street Bridge.

The victim was taken to The Alfred hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Senior Constable Rebecca Zanatta of the Transit Crime Investigation Unit said after speaking to witnesses and the victim, police believed the incident was a deliberate attack. 

“The male has immediately left the area on the e-scooter while being pursued by that witness who stepped up to assist,” she said.

Sen Constable Zanatta said the victim was “obviously very shocked and disturbed by the incident”.

It’s very concerning, a small elderly lady walking away from the offender with her back turned to him never stood a chance in this incident.

He added that the woman luckily avoided spinal injuries, but she sustained bruising and cuts that required stitches.

In a press conference, the victim’s son Ken, who lives in Queensland, became emotional after describing the incident as “traumatic”.

“My heart sank. There's been a lot of tears, a lot of crying, a lot of a lot of worry, a lot of stress, but it's getting better,” he said.

“Apart from being pretty shocking, it’s pretty gutless and cowardly act.”

“He hit her with a weapon … I just hope he feels ashamed absolutely at what he’s done.”

Police are investigating and have released CCTV of a man they are hoping to identify and speak to about the incident.

The man is perceived to have to have very fair skin with a stocky build, average height, straight blonde/brown hair, and grey/blue eyes.

He was wearing thick lensed glasses causing his eyes to appear magnified and a red jacket in shiny, waterproof material.

Any witnesses or those with dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.