A quiet Sydney neighborhood woke up to pure terror when an 85-year-old grandfather was allegedly snatched straight from his bedroom in what police now fear was a shocking case of mistaken identity.
Chris Baghsarian was taken from his home in North Ryde around 5 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, according to the New South Wales Police Force. Detectives say at least three people may have been involved — and they believe the elderly grandfather was “not the intended target.”
Let that sink in.
Investigators say Baghsarian, who has lived alone since his wife passed away four years ago, was inside his family home when suspects stormed in, dragged him out, and forced him into a vehicle.
“They took Mr. Baghsarian whilst he was at home, in his bedroom of his family home, and they took him and bundled him into a car and took him away to a location that we do not know,” Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said during a press conference.
Police are now pleading publicly with those responsible.
“You have the wrong person,” Marks said, urging the kidnappers to release him immediately. “Please release Mr. Baghsarian. Take him to a hospital. Take him to somewhere that’s safe.”
A dark Toyota SUV believed to be connected to the kidnapping was later found burned out in South Turramurra, not far from the grandfather’s home — adding another chilling layer to the case.
Meanwhile, neighbors described the terrifying moments that shattered the early-morning calm.
Felix Cho, who lives nearby, said he was jolted awake by chaos.
“I heard glass smashing, dogs barking,” Cho told 9News. “The screaming just kept on going and then it was muffled, so I ended up looking outside, and I saw the guy popping into his car and fleeing off.”
Baghsarian’s family is reportedly frantic. The 85-year-old requires daily medication, and authorities say his health is a serious concern.
“Being a hostage, we really fear for his safety and we’re appealing for a very safe return and to get medical attention,” Marks said.
Police have confirmed there are no known criminal links involving Baghsarian or his family, further fueling fears that this may have been a horrifying case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Authorities have released a photo of the grandfather and are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
For now, a family waits. A neighborhood remains shaken. And police are racing against time to bring an elderly man home safely.
Is he Jewish? Are the kidnappers Muslim? Just asking questions . . .
Being IN your own home asleep at 5am with very little outside involvement is NOT being on the wrong place NOR the wrong time. He is a victim of random abduction by no fault of his own.
Randon?? Wrong place wrong time?? …..NONE of the above. How about a
copy cat kid knapping/
Praying that he will be found alive and safe