Police in Sydney are seeking help after 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian was allegedly abducted from his North Ryde home just after 5 a.m. on Feb. 13. Authorities say he may have been taken in a suspected case of mistaken identity and that images and video of his injuries have circulated among criminal networks. A dark Toyota SUV — later found burned out near his address — is believed to be linked to the abduction. Police and family members are urging the captors to release him so he can receive urgent medical care; no ransom has been reported.
Distressing New Details After 85-Year-Old Grandfather Chris Baghsarian Kidnapped in Suspected Mistaken-Identity Case
Chris BaghsarianNSW Police Force/Facebook
Police in Sydney are urgently appealing for information after 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian was allegedly taken from his North Ryde home in the early hours of Friday, Feb. 13. Authorities say the case may involve mistaken identity and have described circulating images and video of the man's injuries as "distressing."
What Happened
New South Wales (NSW) Police said officers from the Ryde Police Area Command responded just after 5 a.m. when a report came in that an elderly man had been abducted from his residence. Investigators have identified the missing man as Chris Baghsarian.
A stock photo of a police car in Sydney, AustraliaGetty
Evidence and Circulating Footage
Local reporting by The Sydney Morning Herald and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) indicates that images and a video showing Baghsarian's injuries have been shared within Sydney's criminal underworld. Police confirmed they are "aware" of the footage but declined to provide further detail while the investigation continues.
ABC has also reported CCTV footage that appears to capture the abduction: a dark vehicle parked outside a house in the early morning, a person walking toward a neighbouring property, then two individuals leaving a front door and entering a car about five minutes later. Police believe three or more people forced Baghsarian into a vehicle. Investigators have identified a dark Toyota SUV as the likely vehicle; it was later found burned out near Baghsarian's address.
A stock photo of police tape in Sydney, AustraliaGetty
Police Appeal and Condition Concerns
NSW Police Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks made a public appeal asking the captors to release Baghsarian so he can receive medical attention. Marks said no ransom has been delivered to the family and that police are "a million percent confident" the abductors have the wrong person. Authorities previously stated they believe the man is still alive.
Family members have expressed deep concern because Baghsarian requires daily medication. Neighbour Felix Cho told 9News he called police after hearing glass breaking, dogs barking and screaming early on Friday; he said he saw someone leave and drive off.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to contact NSW Police. The family remain distressed and are urging whoever holds Mr. Baghsarian to release him so he can receive urgent medical care.
Sources: NSW Police, The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC, 9News, PEOPLE.
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