Unknown man on e-scooter hit-and-runs elderly Collingwood fan
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Content warning: This article discusses physical violence against the elderly, which may be distressing to some. Reader discretion is advised.
In a distressing incident that has left the community reeling, an 81-year-old Collingwood fan was struck down by a man on an e-scooter in what has been described as a hit-and-run outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The shocking event unfolded after an AFL game, casting a shadow over what should have been an enjoyable evening of sport.
Jessie Hatch, a dedicated supporter of the Collingwood Football Club, was making her way to Jolimont Railway Station around 11 pm on Friday, May 3, when she encountered the e-scooter rider.
According to Victoria Police, the man demanded that Jessie ‘move off the footpath’; however, Jessie, with the wisdom and assertiveness that often comes with age, ‘explained that the footpath is not for vehicles and walked around him’.
Tragically, the situation escalated from there. The man reportedly rode away but then made a sudden and deliberate U-turn, allegedly striking Jessie from behind with such force that she fell and lost consciousness.
The aftermath was harrowing, with Jessie lying injured and the rider fleeing the scene, his actions witnessed by passersby who attempted to give chase but to no avail.
The suspect was last seen heading west from the Swan Street Bridge.
‘She walked between 7-10m away and this guy’s doubled back and then smashed her from behind,’ Jessie’s son, Ken, recounted.
‘Apparently, she stopped breathing for 20 seconds or so, that’s what we heard.’
Jessie now remains in the hospital, having received five stitches in her hand and undergoing further tests to assess potential damage to her spine.
From her hospital bed, Jessie expressed her disbelief and dismay at the callousness of the act, questioning the mindset of the individual who could commit such a deed.
‘Such a cowardly thing, I don't know what would have gone into his head to do that,’ she said.
‘Why would somebody do that?’
‘He should be ashamed of himself,’ Jessie added.
The family is anxiously awaiting the results of medical tests to understand the full extent of Jessie's injuries, with Ken highlighting the gravity of the situation.
‘Waiting for MRI to see if any permanent damage to her spine. It's pretty scary,’ he said.
The police launched an investigation into the incident, and Ken made a public appeal for the alleged perpetrator to take responsibility for his actions.
‘You made a mistake, you did something wrong, come forward,’ he urged.
The suspect was described as a man of average height with fair skin and a stocky build.
He has straight blonde/brown hair and grey/blue eyes and was last seen wearing thick-lensed glasses and a red jacket made of shiny, waterproof material.
The AFL community rallied around Jessie, with Collingwood legend Peter Daicos sending a heartfelt video message on behalf of the club, expressing his concern and wishing her a speedy recovery.
‘I wanted to reach out, I heard about the incident after the game,’ he said.
‘I hope you’re feeling better and I’m really looking forward to hearing that you’re back at the Collingwood games.’
‘All the best from not just myself, but the boys and importantly the Collingwood Football Club.’
‘All our love, get well soon,’ he added.
Jessie's granddaughter took to social media to share the ordeal.
‘She is now in hospital with stitches and a spinal injury,’ she wrote.
‘My father is currently travelling down to be with her and provide her some support at this time.’
‘There were some amazing people around who provided instant support and police statements, which we are truly grateful for. If anyone else has more information it would be greatly appreciated.’
‘It’s so disappointing that a game that was dedicated to violence against women has ended in such a way for our family,” the woman’s granddaughter went on,’ the granddaughter continued.
‘If you know my grandma you know that she is Collingwood Football Club’s biggest fan. She travels two hours to and from games every week.’
‘We are hoping that she will be back on her feet and attending them again in no time,’ she added.
The police have confirmed that investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
You can watch Peter Daicos’ video message to Jessie here:
This shocking event brings attention to the vulnerability of seniors in public spaces, echoing the concerns raised in a recent incident where an elderly woman was left in critical condition after a horrific attack in a hospital.
This was then followed by another assault on an elderly man onboard a bus just a few weeks after.
These cases highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and protection for our elderly population.
As the police continue their investigations, we at the Seniors Discount Club extend our thoughts and best wishes to Jessie Hatch for a full and swift recovery.
We also encourage anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in bringing the individual responsible to justice.
In a distressing incident that has left the community reeling, an 81-year-old Collingwood fan was struck down by a man on an e-scooter in what has been described as a hit-and-run outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The shocking event unfolded after an AFL game, casting a shadow over what should have been an enjoyable evening of sport.
Jessie Hatch, a dedicated supporter of the Collingwood Football Club, was making her way to Jolimont Railway Station around 11 pm on Friday, May 3, when she encountered the e-scooter rider.
According to Victoria Police, the man demanded that Jessie ‘move off the footpath’; however, Jessie, with the wisdom and assertiveness that often comes with age, ‘explained that the footpath is not for vehicles and walked around him’.
An 81-year-old woman was reportedly struck by an e-scooter rider outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Credits: Victoria Police
Tragically, the situation escalated from there. The man reportedly rode away but then made a sudden and deliberate U-turn, allegedly striking Jessie from behind with such force that she fell and lost consciousness.
The aftermath was harrowing, with Jessie lying injured and the rider fleeing the scene, his actions witnessed by passersby who attempted to give chase but to no avail.
The suspect was last seen heading west from the Swan Street Bridge.
‘She walked between 7-10m away and this guy’s doubled back and then smashed her from behind,’ Jessie’s son, Ken, recounted.
‘Apparently, she stopped breathing for 20 seconds or so, that’s what we heard.’
Jessie now remains in the hospital, having received five stitches in her hand and undergoing further tests to assess potential damage to her spine.
From her hospital bed, Jessie expressed her disbelief and dismay at the callousness of the act, questioning the mindset of the individual who could commit such a deed.
‘Such a cowardly thing, I don't know what would have gone into his head to do that,’ she said.
‘Why would somebody do that?’
‘He should be ashamed of himself,’ Jessie added.
The family is anxiously awaiting the results of medical tests to understand the full extent of Jessie's injuries, with Ken highlighting the gravity of the situation.
‘Waiting for MRI to see if any permanent damage to her spine. It's pretty scary,’ he said.
The police launched an investigation into the incident, and Ken made a public appeal for the alleged perpetrator to take responsibility for his actions.
‘You made a mistake, you did something wrong, come forward,’ he urged.
The suspect was described as a man of average height with fair skin and a stocky build.
He has straight blonde/brown hair and grey/blue eyes and was last seen wearing thick-lensed glasses and a red jacket made of shiny, waterproof material.
The AFL community rallied around Jessie, with Collingwood legend Peter Daicos sending a heartfelt video message on behalf of the club, expressing his concern and wishing her a speedy recovery.
‘I wanted to reach out, I heard about the incident after the game,’ he said.
‘I hope you’re feeling better and I’m really looking forward to hearing that you’re back at the Collingwood games.’
‘All the best from not just myself, but the boys and importantly the Collingwood Football Club.’
‘All our love, get well soon,’ he added.
Jessie's granddaughter took to social media to share the ordeal.
‘She is now in hospital with stitches and a spinal injury,’ she wrote.
‘My father is currently travelling down to be with her and provide her some support at this time.’
‘There were some amazing people around who provided instant support and police statements, which we are truly grateful for. If anyone else has more information it would be greatly appreciated.’
‘It’s so disappointing that a game that was dedicated to violence against women has ended in such a way for our family,” the woman’s granddaughter went on,’ the granddaughter continued.
‘If you know my grandma you know that she is Collingwood Football Club’s biggest fan. She travels two hours to and from games every week.’
‘We are hoping that she will be back on her feet and attending them again in no time,’ she added.
The police have confirmed that investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
You can watch Peter Daicos’ video message to Jessie here:
This shocking event brings attention to the vulnerability of seniors in public spaces, echoing the concerns raised in a recent incident where an elderly woman was left in critical condition after a horrific attack in a hospital.
This was then followed by another assault on an elderly man onboard a bus just a few weeks after.
These cases highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and protection for our elderly population.
We also encourage anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in bringing the individual responsible to justice.
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