According to SA police, a prominent Paediatrician is believed to have been attacked during a violent home invasion because of his car or other small items the offenders were trying to steal.
Dr Michael Yung remains in critical condition after the assault, which happened on Monday morning at his residence in Gilberton, South Australia.
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Police suspect that the attackers targeted the 61-year-old, potentially because of his car or other small items they intended to steal.
The assault is being treated as a major crime, with the entire Major Crime resources of the state focused on the investigation.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray has revealed that the assailants are linked to a recent spate of crimes, including attempted break-ins and car thefts.
“(Operation Mandrake) have been investigating a crime series that’s occurred over the last few days and involves up to 15 incidents where people are either trying to break into homes or steal vehicles at Gilberton, Walkerville, Medindie, Henley Beach, Fulham, and Tennyson,” Superintendent Bray said.
“It’s early days in the investigation but I can say that I am very happy with the process of the investigation to date and we’re pursing a number of positive lines of inquiry.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas described the incident as a “confronting crime”.
Authorities believe the offenders, known to the police, were involved in up to 15 incidents preceding the home invasion.
Meanwhile, detectives are urging anyone with information about the offenders or relevant dashcam footage within a 500m radius of James Street, Gilberton, between 12 am and 5 am on Monday, to come forward.
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