Police Investigate Sexual Assault of Jogger in Jacana Reserve

A woman was violently assaulted while jogging in Jacana Reserve, Melbourne, on August 14, prompting a police investigation into the "extremely concerning" incident. The victim reported that she was approached from behind and thrown to the ground by an unidentified man, who then sexually assaulted her. The attack occurred under a bridge near Johnstone Street, raising alarms within the local community. Detective Inspector Mark Burnett from the Sexual Crimes Squad praised the victim's bravery, highlighting her ability to escape and provide a detailed statement to authorities. "She is a very brave woman," he stated, noting her quick thinking in fleeing to a nearby car park where bystanders called for help. The woman sustained minor injuries, including scratches and shoulder pain, and was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment. In response to the attack, police have launched a search operation involving the Air Wing and Dog Squad, although initial efforts to locate the suspect have been unsuccessful. Authorities have released images of a man wearing a dark jumper and pants, appealing to the public for assistance in identifying him. Detective Inspector Burnett emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging the offender to come forward and contact police. Investigators are actively surveying CCTV footage from the area and are appealing to anyone with information about the assault to reach out to Victoria Police, as they continue to prioritize community safety in light of this alarming event.