Suspect in train assault sought
Porirua police want the community’s help to identify a young man who punched a train guard unconscious after an argument over a fare.
Constable Melanie Clancey described the July 4 assault as ‘‘an unprovoked attack on a man who’s just doing his job’’.
The alleged offender got on the train about 8pm at Mana station and told the train guard, who was one of just two staff members on board, that he didn’t have a fare.
The man said he would get off at Paremata, but in the meantime found $2 and gave it to the guard, who started to issue him a ticket.
The man then got up to get off at Paremata station, and as the train doors opened, he punched the 31-year-old guard in the face, knocking him unconscious briefly and splitting his lip.
‘‘The issue was resolved but for whatever reason he’s been frustrated and punched the guard,’’ Clancey said. ‘‘It was an unprovoked attack on someone who’s just doing their job.’’
There were only three or four passengers on the train at the time, and photos circulated of the alleged offender have not turned up information which could identify him.
The train carriages usually have good quality security footage, Clancey said, but the cameras were not working at the time and police have had to rely on images from train platform security cameras.
The man is described as being in his early 20s, about 175cm tall, medium build, with light brown skin, dark hair and wearing a light-coloured jacket and T-shirt.
KiwiRail Metro manager Scott Brooks said there were usually security guards as well as crew members on Friday and Saturday night trains, but after 9pm.
‘‘We urge people travelling on our services to remember that the on-board staff are only doing their jobs and don’t deserve to be assaulted while at work. We are assisting police with their inquiries and supporting the staff member involved,’’ he said.
Anyone with information about the assault should contact Porirua Police on 04 238 1400.