Man arrested two weeks after sickening assault at Elizabeth Downs, which left local resident in a critical condition
SES volunteers and police are combing Globe Derby Park and surrounds for evidedence after a man was charged with attempted murder over a sickening assault. Pic: 7NEWS
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A huge search has been launched for key evidence after a man was left fighting for life in a sickening assault at Elizabeth Downs last month.
More than 30 State Emergency Service volunteers with police are currently combing Globe Derby Park and surrounds looking for clues following the arrest of a man on Thursday night.
A police helicopter was also deployed, while cars in the area have been raided.
Detectives from Major Crime Investigation Branch arrested a 40-year-old man from Globe Derby Park who has since been charged with attempted murder and attempted aggravated serious criminal trespass.
Police have not said whether they believe the attack was a case of mistaken identity but do not believe it was a random incident.
John Henderson was visiting his friend David at his Peacock Rd home on Friday April 22 when he said a stranger knocked at the door.
Mr Henderson said an altercation broke out when David asked the stranger to leave.
It’s not clear what happened next but David was allegedly assaulted about 100m from his home and was left bleeding on the road with life-threatening head injuries.
Police and paramedics arrived about 11.30pm and the 59-year-old was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where he remains in a critical condition – two weeks after the assault.
Mr Henderson said the stranger initially asked David to see someone who no longer lives at the home.
“David told him ‘no-one lives her except for me and my wife’”, Mr Henderson said.
The victim only moved to the address in recent months, and neighbours said the previous occupants were known to police.
“I heard screaming, that’s when I went outside … I saw people, I think it was David lying on the ground,” he said.
“I was told to stay inside so I did and then it was too late, I should have went out to help but I didn’t realise what was going to happen.”
Mr Henderson said he and David had been friends for five years and that his mate was a father of two, and had grandchildren.
“I just couldn’t believe it.
“Me and David have been good friends for a long time, I hope he pulls through,” he said.
Peri Waaka, who lives near where the assault happened, said he had been consoling his 26-year-old son, who witnessed the attack and went to the victim’s aid.
He said his son heard arguing about 11.30pm and went with a friend to investigate.
“My young fella was freaking out, apparently he (the victim) was gargling,” Mr Waaka said.
“He (the victim) was pretty bad, my son’s never seen anything like it.
“I was shocked it happened,” he said.
His son declined to speak to reporters at the scene.
Northern district crime scene detectives were at the scene the morning following the incident, investigating the circumstances surrounding the assault.
Residents in the street said they were shocked and rattled by the sickening incident.
One neighbour, who said her name was Chris, said she heard voices and a barking dog in the early hours of the morning.
She said she was shocked to learn what had happened.
“I’m sad to hear that happened”.
“The poor thing, I just hope he’s going to be all right.”
Another resident, Kym Pomery, said the victim had moved to the street about three months ago.
“I’ve never had any trouble with them or heard anything from them,” Mr Pomery said.
One woman named Tania said she saw lights about 2am.
“I saw flashing lights because they were lighting up my bedroom,” she said.
Tania said she felt sad for the man who was attacked.
“Nobody deserves that,” she said.
The arrested 40-year-old man was refused police bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Friday May 6.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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