Special Constable Julie Tuikenawa has described the attack that took place at the Delainavesi Community Post this morning as one of the most terrifying experiences in her policing career.
Tuikenawa was on duty at the Community Post when a woman came running to the post asking for assistance as her partner had allegedly threatened her in their home which is located near the post.
She said her immediate concern was to ensure the woman was placed in a safe room as the man had pursued her after a confrontation at their home. While doing so she heard the sound of an object hitting the Community Post railings and she saw the suspect wielding a cane knife and smashing the railings of the post.
Tuikenawa said the man was hurling abuse at the officer for interfering with their personal matters by protecting his partner, and he continued to smash the windows and doors.
The special constable said she was able to assist the suspect’s partner escape into the nearby mangrove swamp and also jumped out of a window and onto the water tank where the man is alleged to have swung a knife narrowly missing her leg.
Being unarmed, her first instinct was to pick up stones to defend herself against the man however she feared that she could inflict further harm and she was able to wave down a passing Police vehicle where assistance was sought from officers nearby.
Officers from the Totogo, Lami and all officers nearby arrived at the scene and with the direction of the Divisional Police Commander South and the suspect’s father they were able to diffuse the situation where no one was injured.
Police confirm that the Delainavesi Community Post sustained extensive damage.
Tuikenawa said such is the life of a police officer that your first instinct is to protect life and during the attack she was focused on protecting the suspect’s partner as she had sought help from her.
The man was allegedly drunk at the time of the incident and is now in custody at the Lami Police Station as investigations continue.
