A teenage girl has alleged she was raped at night on a public street in Albert Town by a man who followed her in a car, possibly a silver Nissan, with a noisy exhaust.
Detective Dave Evans said the incident occurred about 10pm on Saturday, October 16, on the corner of Sherwin Ave and Dale St, Albert Town, but was not reported to Wanaka police until several weeks later.
Det Evans is appealing for public help.
"This matter was reported to the police several weeks after the event and [it is] acknowledged that police are struggling to advance the inquiry," he said yesterday.
"The complainant says she was walking in the area when she became aware of a motor car coming up behind her and slowing down.
"She says that she began to run and the vehicle sped up and pulled alongside her.
"The complainant says that the driver got out of the vehicle and chased her, tackling her to the ground, and then raped her.
"The rape is alleged to have occurred close to the footpath and in full view of the street.
"The offender is described as a male of average build wearing a black hooded top and black trousers.
"The vehicle is possibly a silver Nissan with noisy exhaust," he said.
Det Evans declined to comment on the reasons for the delayed reporting, because he did not want that to be taken as any criticism of the complainant.
Delayed reporting could happen for several reasons, he said.
Nor did he want to release the girl's age, other than she was a teenager, because he wanted to protect her privacy.
"The complainant has sought medical advice and is coping well, under the circumstances. She has got support," he said.
Door-to-door inquiries have already been made of several Albert Town residents living in Sherwin Ave and Dale St, which have not provided any leads.
Det Evans confirmed yesterday's media release was the first release of information regarding the complaint.
He did not have any more details describing the offender or the car, or a vehicle number plate.
What was happening about that time?About 2am on Sunday, October 17, the district was buffeted by gale-force winds, which brought down trees, toppled trailer homes and blew roofing materials off houses.
The annual Wanakafest event was held the following week.
