Knife-wielding thug attacked a teen girl in the park when she refused to give up her phone — her Husky’s split-second move sent him fleeing
A violent robbery attempt in a suburban park ended differently because of a pet dog’s instinctive reaction. A teenage girl was targeted by a knife-wielding man after she refused to give up her mobile phone. What followed was unexpected and frightening, but it stopped the situation from worsening and sent the thief running after the girl's Husky intervened. The incident happened in Melton West, Melbourne, on December 8, 2025, during an afternoon walk that was meant to be routine and calm.
As reported by 10 News, police said the 17-year-old girl was walking her dog through a well-known local park when the attack occurred. Despite the park being popular, officers said no one was close enough to witness the moment. The girl was crossing a bridge when a stranger approached her and demanded her mobile phone. When she refused, the man produced a knife and tried to grab her, resulting in a 3-centimeter slash wound to her torso, as per 7 News Melbourne.
At that point, the girl tried to run. Her five-year-old Husky–Border Collie cross, Loki, then reacted instantly and lunged toward the attacker. The sudden move startled the man and forced him to flee the scene. Officer Ali Samie commented on the incident, "The victim's dog has lunged at the offender, causing him to release his grip, and both the offender and victim went running in opposite directions." Police later said walking a dog is “the last thing you expect” to turn into a violent situation and added they were glad the teenager took a stand for herself and that her dog “managed to save the day.” Paramedics treated the girl at the scene. While her injuries were minor, the incident left her emotionally distressed. Police are now asking the public for assistance in catching the suspect, described as a man around 30 years old who was wearing a black hoodie and red-and-white shoes. Officers said he ran north across the bridge after the attack. Officer Ali Samie condemned the attack as unnecessary and said, “It’s cowardly, for a phone, it’s disappointing something like this would happen.”
Unfortunately, such incidents are not uncommon, but thankfully, pet dogs often act as brave protectors. In a frightening episode in Essex, a woman’s routine night walk took a terrifying turn when she was confronted by two robbers. While she was approached under the pretense of asking for directions, one of the attackers suddenly forced her to the ground and threatened her with a knife, demanding money. That’s when her dog, a Pit Bull and Jack Russell mix named Star, sprang into action. She released the leash, and Star lunged at the male attacker, biting him and refusing to let go, giving her a chance to get free. The female assailant ran off first, and the man soon followed. The woman later said, “Star saved my life,” reflecting on how her normally gentle dog had shown remarkable courage and protective instincts, earning extra treats and affection afterward.