KEY POINTS:
A man alleged to have attacked 85-year-old Eric Brady will appear in court today charged over the vicious attack.
Mr Brady, a war veteran, was attacked and dragged from the driver's seat of his car as he left the Papatoetoe RSA on Wednesday. His stepson said he was "ecstatic" to know of an arrest.
The 18-year-old man remains in police custody and will appear in the Manukau District Court charged with assault with intent to rob, aggravated robbery, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He also faces a charge of being unlawfully in an enclosed yard, which is believed to have occurred as he tried to avoid police.
Detective Sergeant Shaun Vickers said the man was initially seen by a member of the public, who recognised his face from CCTV footage near the Papatoetoe league grounds on Station Rd.
By the time police arrived the man had moved, but another member of the public showed police where he went, Mr Vickers said.
"This is a great example of the media, police, family and the community working together. As a result of the coverage of this case by the media we've received numerous phone calls that are assisting the investigation team.
"The police are very appreciative of the community for their response."
Mr Vickers would not say where the man was from because officers were still making inquiries with family and associates.
Because the matter was before the courts he also would not say if there was any gang motivation behind the attack or if the man was known to police.
Mr Brady's daughter Joanne O'Rourke and stepson Gary Brunton said yesterday that while the experience had been traumatic, the family were amazed by the community support they had been shown.
Mr Brunton said that while the family were still coming to terms with the attack, they were grateful to police, hospital staff, the media and the public.
Mr Brady, who suffered severe bruising and broken jaw bones in
the assault, remains in Middlemore Hospital.
