Car thief head butts passer-by | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

POLICE are hunting a man wanted for assault and car theft following a bizarre chain of events in Keen Street, Lismore, on Tuesday night.

Following a minor car crash about 8pm the vehicle, a stolen 1993 maroon Ford Falcon, became lodged on a gutter and as the driver was attempting to free the car a passer-by came to his aid.

The driver then became aggressive and an argument ensued ending with the good Samaritan being assaulted and head-butted before his attacker fled on foot.

He returned a short time later in another stolen car – a blue 1971 Holden reported stolen on Monday – and attempted to free the original vehicle.

He was unsuccessful and again fled before police could catch him.

Police are looking for the Holden and a man described as small build, wearing camouflage pants and acap.

It is thought one of the vehicles was parked in town with the keys in it and police have appealed to motorists to secure their vehicles adequately at all times.

Meanwhile, police were called to a suspected aggravated assault at Rappville where three men armed with clubs were alleged to have burst into a residence demanding drugs, money and guns in the usually quiet town south of Casino yesterday morning.

A 53-year-old resident was bashed in his Murray Street home, sustaining facial injuries and a broken nose.

He was treated at the scene by ambulance officers, but refused to be taken to hospital for treatment.

Neighbours were surprised to learn of such an incident in their street – the first such assault they could recall.

It follows two violent home invasions in Casino last month.

On July 16, several youths stormed an elderly couple’s Cumberland Street home about 7.30pm brandishing a replica handgun and assaulting and robbing the occupants.

On July 4, three boys aged 13, 14 and 16 tied up an elderly Casino couple at knife-point in their home before stealing their car to escape. They were arrested at Ocean Shores the next day.

Anyone with information on any of the offences are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

Information can be given anonymously.