Bicycle back as attack probed
BASHING victim Ryan Johnson has had his stolen bicycle returned as police close in on the people responsible for the assault.
The 18-year-old may need surgery on his jaw after he was set upon by a group of males while walking across a vacant block in Woree last week.
He had been returning from the skate park with a friend when a group of up to 10 indigenous males attacked him, punching and kicking him before he was rendered unconscious.
His uncle Eddie Shieffeldien said Mr Johnson was “absolutely stoked” to get the bicycle back, but it had not come without a fight.
He said they were contacted by a woman on Facebook with a picture of two males with the bike and when they told her to contact police and report it she demanded a reward.
“It was just ridiculous, he doesn’t need this stress,” Mr Shieffeldien said.
“He’s really happy (to have the bike back), it’s got a couple of scratches on it but he’s not worried about it.”
He said his nephew had been “overwhelmed” by the community support following the attack which took place about 3.15pm last Thursday.
Police are yet to lay any charges, but they are understood to have identified several suspects.
Plain clothes Sen-Constable Brendan Potter said officers located the bicycle at an Earlville house on Saturday night.
“The bicycle was found at an Earlville house after we received information about its location,” he said.
Police are continuing to call for public help as the investigation ramps up.
PC Sen-Constable Potter asked for any witnesses to the attack who were yet to speak to police to come forward or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
Mr Johnson suffered multiple soft tissue injuries along with the broken jaw and will find out in three weeks if it requires surgery.