Areeb’s physical injuries may be healing but he’s still dealing with the emotional impact of his ordeal.
“Most of the damage that has been done has been more psychological than physical,” he told 9News.
The international student was just about to finish work for the night when he was allegedly set upon in Como last weekend.
“I was like, ‘Hey, here’s your food’, but instead of taking the order, he just started attacking me,” Areeb alleged.
The 26-year-old was allegedly repeatedly punched and dragged from his car.
“I was screaming out loudly, ‘Help, help, help me’,” he said.
” ⦠After he sped off, I was bleeding profusely from my nose and my lip.”
The alleged attacker crashed before being tracked down by police.
Areeb, who should have been celebrating his birthday that day, is now paranoid when he comes across strangers.
“It just sets my body in a fight or flight mode,” he said.
“I just want to exit that premises as soon as possible.”
The 25-year-old alleged carjacker will front court again next week on charges of aggravated robbery, causing bodily harm, assaulting a public officer and stealing a car.
Areeb is grateful to the good Samaritans who came to his aid.
“The majority of the people are good and I believe that Australians, especially, are very kind people,” he said.
