MOUNT Gambier Police will step up patrols in the Blue Lake precinct following a male teacher receiving facial injuries after trying to flee a “white van” on Friday night.
Tenison Woods College Chinese language teacher Bo Wei Xu was yesterday undergoing major dental surgery in Adelaide following what he describes as a “frightening” incident.
It is understood Mr Xu was approached by a number of men in a white van at around 10pm near the Blue Lake.
Mr Xu smashed his face on the pavement while trying to flee the scene, which has now left him potentially with a $20,000 dental bill to repair his teeth.
Mr Xu, 45, has warned others to be vigilant when walking in the Crater Lakes precinct.
According to his account, the men drove off laughing at Mr Xu despite him being left bloodied, shocked and trying to find his teeth on the ground that had been “knocked out”.
Mr Xu’s friend and housemate Sarah McDowell – who has set up a “gofundme” online appeal for his dental costs – said Mr Xu was reeling from the incident.
“The incident has frightened Bo Wei and he worries for other people in our community,” Ms McDowell said.
“People should not be frightened to walk in our community.”
“Bo Wei has faced a number of racist situations around the Valley Lake throughout the years he has been working in the community,” Ms McDowell said.
“Bo Wei is a quiet soul who would never cause harm to anyone.”Ms McDowell said the incident unfolded during Mr Xu’s evening walk. “Bo Wei had done his evening walk from our house to the top of Sunnyside Drive, where he exercises on the outside gym equipment,” she said.
As he was just starting to walk back down Crouch Street, he had a white van approach him.
“The van then turned around at the top of Crouch Street and with speed drove at him with high beams on and stopped beside him shouting loudly at him again,” Ms McDowell said.
“Bo Wei was trying to move away from the men and fell and hit his face on the pavement, knocking his teeth out.
“As he was feeling for his teeth on the ground the men made a deliberate act of laughing out loud and then drove off leaving Bo Wei to find his way home, with his arms and face covered in blood.”
She warned of a possible worrying trend of people driving up to and scaring other members of public while videoing the interactions.
“If anyone see videos of this on Youtube or social media, please report it to the police,” Ms McDowell said.
“Bo Wei has returned to Adelaide to have dental work on his teeth and to have some time with his wife, feeling safe. It will take a while for Bo Wei to feel safe again in our community.”
Limestone Coast Police Senior Sergeant Chris King said the incident was reported to police at midday on Saturday.
“Police are looking into the circumstance of the incident and following lines of inquiry,” Snr Sgt Chris King said.
“Anybody with any information about the van and its occupants should call police.”
He urged people to call 131 444 at the time of any incident so a patrol car could be dispatched.
Snr Sgt King said police had not received reports of other people being harassed at the lakes.
“We will increase patrols in the area,” he said.
People who have any information regarding the incident are urged to contact Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000.
