A 36-year-old man from Point Cook has been charged after a violent spree at Williams Landing train station on Tuesday, 6 May, in which members of the Indian Australian community were singled out.
Around 4.30 pm, the accused allegedly attacked a 42-year-old Point Cook man with a meat cleaver and threatened a 24-year-old woman, both of Indian heritage, before turning on bystanders reported by Wyndham TV.
Witnesses described a terrifying ordeal in the station lift and on the concourse.
“I saw this white guy get into the elevator along with five or six more people.
The moment the door closed, he started using racist slurs and saying things like ‘I will hit you and kill you all’, pointing at us one by one,”
one commuter said.
The group fled the lift in panic, and the witness later saw the assailant running toward the bus stops, “allegedly targeting members of the Indian community.”
Another witness recounted,
“I saw him swinging his machete at one guy—luckily he hit his bag instead of his back. That man ran, and so did others.”
I was panicked and ran toward my car. I clearly saw the machete and him attacking people trying to catch the bus,” he added.
The witness said they have been left shaken and fearful for their safety.
“All those racist comments and actions are haunting me. I could be in the hospital or maybe dead… I’m afraid for me and my family’s safety.”
Police say that when officers arrived, the man still held the cleaver, prompting the use of a Taser, OC spray and baton to bring him under control. The 42-year-old victim suffered minor injuries and did not require hospitalisation.
The accused has been charged with assault with a weapon, assaulting police and committing an indictable offence while on bail. He was granted bail and is due to appear at Werribee Magistrates’ Court on 2 September.
Victoria Police have confirmed the weapon was a meat cleaver and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or captured footage to come forward. Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Disclaimer: This story first appeared on Wyndham TV
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