Detectives from Petrie Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) are appealing to an unknown witness to come forward after being approached by woman for help on Fernando Street, Burpengary on the morning of February 15.
Police are investigating reports a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in a car, by the driver, around 5am on Saturday, February 15 in Fortitude Valley.
The woman was allegedly offered a free lift to Caboolture, where the woman was staying, by a man in a white Nissan X-trail SUV early on Saturday morning. Investigations indicate the car had a ride share sign on display but was not operating as ride share car at the time of the offence.
The man allegedly assaulted her on the drive towards Caboolture.
The woman was dropped off at Fernando Street, Burpengary between 5.30am to 5.50am, near the entrance to Symphony Crescent Park, and immediately ran to a nearby man, who was walking his dog, to ask for help.
The witness walked the woman to a safe location, as requested, where she was assisted by people known to her and reported the incident to police.
Police would like to speak to that witness as investigations continue.
The witnessed is described as a Caucasian man, aged between 65-75, who was wearing an orange shirt and walking a small dog at the time. It is believed he walked with a limp.
Police are appealing to this man to come forward.
Police are also appealing to anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of Fernando Street, particularly the area between Henderson Road and Mirra Street, that shows a white Nissan X-trail between 5.30am and 5.50am on February 15 to contact police.
A search warrant was executed at a Holland Park West address on February 19, where a man was arrested.
A white Nissan X-trail was seized as part of the investigation.
A 38-year-old Holland Park West man has been charged with three counts of sexual assault and one count each of rape and deprivation of liberty.
He has been remanded in custody as is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today, February 20.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Quote this reference number: QP2500275988
If you've experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there's an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
