A Good Samaritan – whose vehicle was allegedly stolen after she stopped to help during Auckland's Epsom rampage – has spoken publicly for the first time, describing the accused man's behaviour as "completely nonsensical and erratic".
The woman, who 1News has agreed not to name, became caught up in Wednesday morning's events after stopping to assist a female jogger who police say was randomly assaulted.
Police said they were called to reports of an assault near the intersection of Ranfurly Rd and Manukau Rd shortly after 7am, where a woman was allegedly approached and attacked without warning, leaving her with bruising to her face, head and upper body.
A woman was assaulted, three teenage cyclists injured and a dog killed in a morning rampage. (Source: 1News)
Police allege a 49-year-old man then stole the woman's Toyota RAV4 before driving into several vehicles and a group of Auckland Grammar School cyclists, leaving three teenagers injured.
The boys were taken to Auckland City Hospital with critical, serious and moderate injuries. Police said today one of the cyclists remained in a critical condition and the two others have since been discharged.
A dog later died after being attacked, while police tasered and arrested the man.
Police have described the incident as "extremely violent and totally unnecessary" and say officers arrived within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call.
They were continuing to investigate exactly what unfolded and have appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.
Several cyclists were injured, a woman was attacked and a dog killed during an incident on Manukau Rd. Video: Andre Ripa (Source: Other)
The man remains under police guard in Auckland City Hospital.
Speaking to 1News, the woman said she hoped the man received any support he may need. She described his actions as appearing to be "completely nonsensical and erratic".
""I hope he receives the treatment he needs.
"Furthermore, I hope this prompts inquiry into the wider needs of the underfunded mental health system. They need adequate resourcing to look after the most vulnerable and implement strategies to help prevent future catastrophes."
Police have not commented on whether mental health, drugs or alcohol played any role in the incident, saying those matters formed part of the ongoing investigation.
Epsom MP David Seymour has said that the arrested man was known to police for mental health illness.
He told Breakfast this morning the area had been "touched by tragedy" and would, inevitably, want answers.
Epsom MP and former Auckland Grammer old boy David Seymour said "nobody wants something like this to happen in their community". (Source: Breakfast)
"I'm sure there'll be a lot of questions about who was this guy, how was he out, how was he able to do this," he said.
Extra charges laid
Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Sunny Patel yesterday said the man faces 14 charges, including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault with a weapon, and aggravated assault.
Today, three further charges of assault with a weapon, a vehicle, were added – bringing the total to 17 charges.
The man was due to appear in the Auckland District Court today but his lawyer, Jane-Frances O’Halloran, told Judge Grant Fraser she hasn’t yet spoken to the man.
She said he was unable to attend court and remained in hospital. “He is unwell,” she told the court.
Judge Fraser granted the man interim name suppression and remanded him in custody until next Monday.
Auckland Grammar School said in a statement it was "devastated" by the incident and its immediate priority was the health, safety and wellbeing of the affected students and their families.
"Our thoughts are with the boys and families affected."
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