A woman was left unconscious while her elderly mother ended up in a hospital bed after the pair were allegedly violently assaulted in a dispute over a parking space outside Melbourne Zoo.
Shin, 44, had his two children and his 72-year-old mother in his car as he attempted to reverse into a spot outside the venue in the inner north suburb of Parkville on April 20.
A 42-year-old man in another car attempted to enter the same park and the two vehicles had a minor collision, resulting in an argument.
Shin, who did not provide his last name, parked elsewhere but when he got out of the car he saw the man taking photos of his family.
72-year-old grandmother allegedly beaten outside Melbourne Zoo
Shin (pictured) had gone to the zoo with his elderly mother and two children when they were allegedly attacked in a parking lot.
“I said ‘hey, stop taking photos of my daughter’ and the next second they hit me several times in the face,” he told reporters.
“I never thought my mother would get punched, she’s an old woman.”
Shin said he was screaming for help before he allegedly fell unconscious.
“My mom told me, ‘I thought they killed you,'” he said.
‘I tried to protect my mother, my daughter. My mom tried to protect me.’
Bystanders along with zoo staff rushed to the family’s aid before Shin and her mother were taken to the hospital.
The 72-year-old woman suffered a brain bleed, a broken shoulder and severe bruising to her right arm and eye.
His elderly mother has suffered a brain hemorrhage, a broken shoulder and severe bruising to her right arm and eye.
The 72-year-old spent a week in hospital and is expected to begin rehabilitation this week.
“She won’t be the same as before,” Shin said.
Police arrested the 42-year-old man at the scene but he was released without charge pending further investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A 42-year-old man was arrested at the scene but released without charge pending further investigations.