A 64-year-old Epping man has been charged following an investigation into an alleged historical attempted rape.
Sexual Crime Squad detectives executed two search warrants at residential addresses in Lalor and Epping on Wednesday, November 6.
The Epping man later self-presented to Mill Park police station.
He was interviewed by police and subsequently charged with assault with intent to rape.
The charge follows an incident on January 12, 2002, when a then 24-year-old woman was working in a Northcote furniture store.
She was approached by a man after the store had closed.
Police will allege he pushed the victim onto a bed and began to choke her. A witness interrupted the incident and a scuffle ensued before the male fled the scene.
An investigation was conducted at the time and the forensic exhibits were stored in what was referred to as the cold case freezer at the Victoria Police Forensics Services Department.
In May of this year, further information came to light and investigators re-examined the investigation.
Sexual Crim Squad Detective Acting Inspector Adam Henry said the incident would have had enduring effects on the life of a young woman who had simply just been at her place of work.
“Historical investigations are unique in that updates to science, methodology and legislation allow us to progress a case in a way that may not have been possible at the time of the incident, and our investigators remain completely committed to seeking justice for our victim-survivors,” he said.
