Police praise public’s help as arrest made in Riverhead quarry attack

Police have thanked the public for their help in arresting a man in connection with the attack on a young woman in a quarry at Riverhead two weeks ago.

The 59-year-old was arrested at a residential Onehunga property just after noon yesterday, Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby of Waitemata Police said.

He has been charged with abduction, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault with intent to commit sexual violation.

“We have spoken with the victim and she was extremely relieved to hear the news. This has been a traumatic experience for her and she is receiving ongoing support from her family, friends and Police,” Libby said.

“The investigation team have worked tirelessly over the past 14 days and we know this news will bring a great deal of relief to the Auckland community.”

Police also thanked the many members of the public who called the 0800 number and provided information over the past fortnight. There had also been many businesses who assisted with the enquiry by promptly and proactively providing CCTV footage and police appreciated the assistance.

The 23-year-old woman woke in the early hours of Sunday February 26 in the Riverhead quarry, partially clothed and badly injured, with a man standing over her with a baseball bat, police said.

It is believed she became separated from her friends earlier in the night after attending the Auckland Pride Parade. She was then picked up in Grey Lynn before she woke in the quarry.

The arrested man is due to appear at the Auckland District Court this morning.