Man Charged with Rape, Attempted Murder After Rockhampton Incident
A 27-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of attempted murder following an alleged incident involving a woman on a Rockhampton walking track on Sunday. The man, from Victoria, was arrested in Hervey Bay the following day and is scheduled to appear in court.
Police allege an unknown man confronted the woman, sexually assaulted her multiple times, and subsequently dragged her to water in an attempt to drown her.
Incident Details
On Sunday, October 10, 2023, at approximately 10:30 AM, a 27-year-old woman was on the Yeppen Lagoon track in Rockhampton. The location is described as a walking track adjacent to the Rockhampton Grammar School’s rugby field carpark. Police allege an unknown man confronted the woman, sexually assaulted her multiple times, and subsequently dragged her to water in an attempt to drown her. The assailant then fled the scene.
The woman sought assistance from residents at a nearby home. Emergency services were notified around 11:00 AM, and she received medical treatment and professional support at a hospital. A crime scene was established at the walking track and the adjacent carpark as part of the investigation.
Investigation and Arrest
On Monday, October 11, 2023, at approximately 11:00 AM, a 27-year-old man from Victoria was located and arrested. The arrest occurred at a residence on Boat Harbour Drive in Hervey Bay. Police stated that the accused had been in Rockhampton for a short period and was allegedly attempting to return to Victoria at the time of his apprehension.
Charges and Court Appearance
The man has been charged with three counts of rape and one count of attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on Tuesday.